1978 BMW 730 vs. 1996 Buick Park Avenue
To start off, 1996 Buick Park Avenue 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 3,798 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Park Avenue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Park Avenue (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Park Avenue should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Park Avenue weights approximately 230 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.
Because 1978 BMW 730 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 BMW 730. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Buick Park Avenue, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Buick Park Avenue (387 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Park Avenue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730. 1996 Buick Park Avenue 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. 1996 Buick Park Avenue will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 1996 Buick Park Avenue | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 730 | Park Avenue |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 3798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 387 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2780 mm |
