1996 BMW 730 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 730 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. (168 HP @ 3000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 730 weights approximately 11 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 730. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 730. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 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 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 730 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1735 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
