1978 BMW 730 vs. 2007 BMW 525
To start off, 2007 BMW 525 is newer by 29 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 10 more horse power than 2007 BMW 525. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 525 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1978 BMW 730.
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, 2007 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730. 2007 BMW 525 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. 2007 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 2007 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1660 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 |
