2003 BMW 520 vs. 1996 BMW 730
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 730 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 730 weights approximately 46 kg more than 2003 BMW 520. 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, 1996 BMW 730 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2003 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 730 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 730 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1996 BMW 730 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 730 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1746 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
