1998 BMW 730 vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 730 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1998 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1998 BMW 730. 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 329 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 730. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 730. 2011 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 730 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 730 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 730 | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
