1978 BMW 730 vs. 2011 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 BMW 325 is newer by 33 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, 2011 BMW 325 (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1978 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2011 BMW 325.
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, 2011 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 2011 BMW 325 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2730 mm |
