2004 BMW 320 vs. 1986 BMW 730
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW 730 (197 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2004 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1986 BMW 730.
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 320 (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW 730. (275 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 1986 BMW 730 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 730 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.7 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2800 mm |
