1971 BMW 3 vs. 1974 Volvo 245
To start off, 1974 Volvo 245 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 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 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 245. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 245. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 245 weights approximately 14 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
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 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 245. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 245. 1974 Volvo 245 has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Volvo 245 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1974 Volvo 245 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 3 | 245 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2125 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1394 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 60 L |
