1978 BMW 730 vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1978 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 535 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1978 BMW 730. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 535 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 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 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2969 mm |
