1978 BMW 730 vs. 2006 BMW 535
To start off, 2006 BMW 535 is newer by 28 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 535 (268 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1978 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 535 weights approximately 230 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, 2006 BMW 535 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 2006 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2890 mm |
