1978 BMW 730 vs. 2008 BMW 530
To start off, 2008 BMW 530 is newer by 30 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 2,992 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 530 weights approximately 80 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, 2008 BMW 530 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 2008 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2890 mm |
