1957 BMW 503 vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 1981 Volvo 343 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 BMW 503 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 343. (117 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 343.
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, 1957 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
1957 BMW 503 | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | 503 | 343 |
Year Released | 1957 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1986 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 117 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 160 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4210 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |