1978 BMW 730 vs. 1987 BMW 318
To start off, 1987 BMW 318 is newer by 9 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 71 more horse power than 1987 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 544 kg more than 1987 BMW 318. 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, 1978 BMW 730 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 1987 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2580 mm |
