2009 BMW 125 vs. 1997 BMW 730
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1997 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 730 weights approximately 419 kg more than 2009 BMW 125.
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, 1997 BMW 730 (279 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 125. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1997 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 125. 1997 BMW 730 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 125 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 125 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 730 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 125 | 1997 BMW 730 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 125 | 730 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 279 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 90 L |
