1998 BMW 320 vs. 1996 BMW 725
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 725 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (170 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1996 BMW 725. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 725. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 725 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1998 BMW 320.
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 725 (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320. 1998 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 725 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 725 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 1996 BMW 725 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 725 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2169 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2940 mm |
