1981 BMW 725 vs. 1978 ZIL 117
To start off, 1981 BMW 725 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 ZIL 117. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 ZIL 117 would be higher. At 6,958 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 ZIL 117 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 ZIL 117 (296 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1981 BMW 725. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 ZIL 117 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 725.
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, 1978 ZIL 117 (570 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 355 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 725. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 ZIL 117 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 725.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 725 | 1978 ZIL 117 | |
| Make | BMW | ZIL |
| Model | 725 | 117 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 6958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2080 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 3310 mm |
