1978 BMW 730 vs. 2003 Dodge Viper
To start off, 2003 Dodge Viper is newer by 25 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 8,195 cc (10 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Dodge Viper (500 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 315 more horse power than 1978 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Viper weights approximately 13 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, 2003 Dodge Viper (712 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 482 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 2003 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 730 | Viper |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 8195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 712 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1523 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2520 mm |
