1978 BMW 730 vs. 2004 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2004 Cadillac XLR is newer by 26 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 4,572 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Cadillac XLR (320 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1978 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 130 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, 2004 Cadillac XLR (408 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 2004 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 730 | XLR |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 4572 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 408 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2690 mm |
