1978 BMW 730 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 24 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 16 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (169 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 40 kg more than 1978 BMW 730.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK (250 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2670 mm |
