1996 BMW 730 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 12 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 730 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (187 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 339 kg more than 1996 BMW 730.
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, 1996 BMW 730 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano. 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 730 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 730 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 730 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | Viano |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 2085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 75 L |
