1978 BMW 730 vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, both 1978 BMW 730 and 1978 BMW 520 were released in the same year (1978). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 730 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1978 BMW 730.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 1978 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2770 mm |
