1978 BMW 730 vs. 1996 Rover 400
To start off, 1996 Rover 400 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 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 83 more horse power than 1996 Rover 400. (102 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1996 Rover 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1996 Rover 400. 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 Rover 400, 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, 1978 BMW 730 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Rover 400. (182 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Rover 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 1996 Rover 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 730 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2630 mm |
