1978 BMW 730 vs. 2008 BMW Z4
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1978 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2008 BMW Z4.
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 Z4 (299 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 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 Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2500 mm |
