1997 BMW 850 vs. 1998 BMW 729
To start off, 1998 BMW 729 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1998 BMW 729. (181 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 729. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1998 BMW 729. 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 850 (490 Nm) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 729. (410 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 729.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1998 BMW 729 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 729 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2940 mm |
