1978 BMW 730 vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z is newer by 34 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan 370Z (350 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1978 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 7 kg more than 2012 Nissan 370Z.
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, 2012 Nissan 370Z (374 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 730 | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 374 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1503 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4404 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1316 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2550 mm |
