2008 BMW 523 vs. 1978 BMW 730
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 30 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 10 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2008 BMW 523. 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, both vehicles can yield 230 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2008 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW 730 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW 730 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1978 BMW 730 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | 730 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2810 mm |
