1986 BMW M5 vs. 1996 BMW 730
To start off, 1996 BMW 730 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,428 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1996 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 730 weights approximately 227 kg more than 1986 BMW M5.
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, 1986 BMW M5 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 730. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 730. 1986 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 730 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 730 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 1996 BMW 730 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 730 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 2793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1746 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 90 L |
