2009 BMW 535 vs. 1996 BMW 730
To start off, 2009 BMW 535 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,991 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 535 (268 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1996 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 730 weights approximately 11 kg more than 2009 BMW 535.
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 535 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 730. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 535 | 1996 BMW 730 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 535 | 730 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2991 cc | 2793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1746 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
