1978 BMW 730 vs. 1983 BMW 525
To start off, 1983 BMW 525 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 730 would be higher. 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 62 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1983 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1983 BMW 525 (240 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730. 1983 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW 730 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW 730 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 1983 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2691 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2580 mm |
