1978 BMW 730 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Sharan 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Sharan (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 179 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Sharan.
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 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, 2005 Volkswagen Sharan (265 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 2005 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 730 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1331 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 |
