1996 BMW 725 vs. 2006 Saturn Relay
To start off, 2006 Saturn Relay is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 725 would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Saturn Relay is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saturn Relay (201 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1996 BMW 725. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saturn Relay should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 725. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 725 weights approximately 341 kg more than 2006 Saturn Relay.
Because 1996 BMW 725 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 725. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Saturn Relay, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2006 Saturn Relay (293 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 725. (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2006 Saturn Relay will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 725. 2006 Saturn Relay has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 725 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 725 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Saturn Relay will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 725 | 2006 Saturn Relay | |
| Make | BMW | Saturn |
| Model | 725 | Relay |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 293 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 94.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1444 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 3080 mm |
