1996 BMW 730 vs. 2011 BMW 125
To start off, 2011 BMW 125 is newer by 15 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1996 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 730 weights approximately 426 kg more than 2011 BMW 125.
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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 125. (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 125. 2011 BMW 125 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. 2011 BMW 125 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 730 | 2011 BMW 125 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 125 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 53 L |
