2004 BMW 730 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 730 (225 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520.
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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 730. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 730 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
