1978 BMW 730 vs. 2003 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2003 Panoz AIV 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 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1978 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 330 kg more than 2003 Panoz AIV.
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 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 2003 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | BMW | Panoz |
| Model | 730 | AIV |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| 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 | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2660 mm |
