2003 BMW 730 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 2003 BMW 730 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (231 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2003 BMW 730. (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 730 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420.
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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 730. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 730 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | 420 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 3080 mm |
