1996 BMW 730 vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 13 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 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 730 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 730 weights approximately 351 kg more than 2009 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 730 | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 63 L |
