2004 BMW 120 vs. 1978 BMW 730
To start off, 2004 BMW 120 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 730 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2004 BMW 120. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2004 BMW 120. 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, 2004 BMW 120 (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 1978 BMW 730 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 730 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2810 mm |
