1997 BMW 730 vs. 1990 BMW 518
To start off, 1997 BMW 730 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 730 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 730 weights approximately 585 kg more than 1990 BMW 518. 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, 1997 BMW 730 (279 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 730 | 1990 BMW 518 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 518 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 52 L |
