1996 BMW 730 vs. 2001 BMW M
To start off, 2001 BMW M is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 730 would be higher. At 3,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M (325 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1996 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 730 weights approximately 371 kg more than 2001 BMW M.
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, 2001 BMW M (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 730. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 730 | 2001 BMW M | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | M |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 51 L |
