2006 BMW M3 vs. 1978 BMW 730
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 28 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 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1978 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1978 BMW 730. 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1978 BMW 730 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 730 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2810 mm |
