1978 BMW 730 vs. 2005 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 2005 Dodge Caravan is newer by 27 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 40 more horse power than 2005 Dodge Caravan. (145 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2005 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 240 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, 2005 Dodge Caravan, 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, 1978 BMW 730 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Dodge Caravan. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 2005 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 730 | Caravan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2429 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2890 mm |
