1979 Datsun Laurel vs. 2012 BMW 730
To start off, 2012 BMW 730 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Datsun Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Datsun Laurel would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 730 (244 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1979 Datsun Laurel. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1979 Datsun Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 730 weights approximately 752 kg more than 1979 Datsun Laurel. 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, 2012 BMW 730 (540 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 365 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Datsun Laurel. (175 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Datsun Laurel. 2012 BMW 730 has automatic transmission and 1979 Datsun Laurel has manual transmission. 1979 Datsun Laurel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 730 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Datsun Laurel | 2012 BMW 730 | |
| Make | Datsun | BMW |
| Model | Laurel | 730 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5072 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 82 L |
