1981 BMW 528 vs. 1990 BMW 730
To start off, 1990 BMW 730 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 181 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 730 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1981 BMW 528.
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, 1990 BMW 730 (260 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 528. (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 528.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 1990 BMW 730 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 528 | 730 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
