1988 BMW 730 vs. 2004 BMW 525
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 730 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (174 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1988 BMW 730.
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, 2004 BMW 525 (410 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 730. (260 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 730. 2004 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 730 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 730 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 730 | 2004 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2984 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
