1978 BMW 730 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1978 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 326 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 Mercedes-Benz E (600 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1836 kg |
