1998 BMW 730 vs. 1981 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1998 BMW 730 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 730 (190 HP) has 123 more horse power than 1981 Honda Ballade. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 730 weights approximately 960 kg more than 1981 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 730 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 BMW 730. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Honda Ballade, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 BMW 730 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 730 | 1981 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 730 | Ballade |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1334 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2330 mm |
