1959 BMW 503 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1974 Volvo 343 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 503 (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 557 kg more than 1974 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, 1959 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 503 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 45 L |
