1988 BMW 730 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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 37 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 440 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 Mercedes-Benz Viano (330 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 730. (260 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 730 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | Viano |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2984 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
