1978 BMW 730 vs. 2007 Ford Five Hundred
To start off, 2007 Ford Five Hundred 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 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Ford Five Hundred is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Ford Five Hundred (221 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1978 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster 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, 2007 Ford Five Hundred, 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, 2007 Ford Five Hundred (278 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Ford Five Hundred will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730. 2007 Ford Five Hundred 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 Ford Five Hundred will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 2007 Ford Five Hundred | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 730 | Five Hundred |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2870 mm |
