2009 Audi R8 vs. 1978 BMW 730
To start off, 2009 Audi R8 is newer by 31 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 4,163 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Audi R8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi R8 (420 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1978 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 615 kg more than 2009 Audi R8.
Because 2009 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 BMW 730. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Audi R8 (430 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Audi R8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi R8 | 1978 BMW 730 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | R8 | 730 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2810 mm |
