1978 BMW 730 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 18 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1978 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 305 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2830 mm |
