2009 BMW 530 vs. 1978 BMW 730
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 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 2,992 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 190 kg more than 2009 BMW 530.
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, 2009 BMW 530 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 530 | 1978 BMW 730 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | 730 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2992 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 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 |
