1996 BMW 520 vs. 1997 BMW 730
To start off, 1997 BMW 730 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 730 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 730 weights approximately 249 kg more than 1996 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 BMW 730 (279 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 1997 BMW 730 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 730 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 279 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
