1978 BMW 730 vs. 1985 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1985 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 7 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 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 730 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1985 Chevrolet Caprice. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1985 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 390 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, 1985 Chevrolet Caprice (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730. 1985 Chevrolet Caprice 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. 1985 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 1985 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 730 | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2950 mm |
