1998 BMW 730 vs. 1988 BMW M5
To start off, 1998 BMW 730 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1998 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 730 weights approximately 12 kg more than 1988 BMW M5.
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, 1988 BMW M5 (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 730. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 730 | 1988 BMW M5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | M5 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3533 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1733 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2770 mm |
