1971 BMW 3 vs. 1968 Volvo 145
To start off, 1971 BMW 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volvo 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volvo 145 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1968 Volvo 145. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1968 Volvo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1968 Volvo 145. 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, 1971 BMW 3 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volvo 145. (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volvo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1968 Volvo 145 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 3 | 145 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2620 mm |
