1996 BMW 730 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1996 BMW 730 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1996 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 730 weights approximately 146 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 730. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 730 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2850 mm |
