1981 BMW 725 vs. 2012 BMW 740
To start off, 2012 BMW 740 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 725 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 740 (315 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1981 BMW 725. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 740 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, 2012 BMW 740 (447 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 725. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 725.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 725 | 2012 BMW 740 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 725 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 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 | 5215 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 3210 mm |
