1978 BMW 730 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Sharan 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 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 71 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Sharan. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 229 kg more than 1978 BMW 730.
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, 2004 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Sharan (335 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730. 2004 Volkswagen Sharan has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW 730 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW 730 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volkswagen Sharan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 2004 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 730 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1739 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2850 mm |
