1978 BMW 730 vs. 1995 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 17 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), 1995 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E (217 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1978 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 120 kg more than 1978 BMW 730. 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, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730. 1995 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 1995 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 1995 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2840 mm |
