1978 BMW 730 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 is newer by 15 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 (216 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1978 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320.
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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 (310 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2700 mm |
