1956 BMW 501 vs. 1980 Volvo 343
To start off, 1980 Volvo 343 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,166 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1980 Volvo 343. 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, 1956 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
1956 BMW 501 | 1980 Volvo 343 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | 501 | 343 |
Year Released | 1956 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1397 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 108 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 990 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4210 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1670 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1400 mm |