1996 BMW 730 vs. 1973 BMW 3
To start off, 1996 BMW 730 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1996 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 730 weights approximately 476 kg more than 1973 BMW 3.
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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 730. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 730 | 1973 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3153 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
