1973 BMW 3.3 vs. 1989 Volvo 440
To start off, 1989 Volvo 440 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3.3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3.3 would be higher. At 3,295 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3.3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3.3 (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 440. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3.3 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 440. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 3.3 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1989 Volvo 440. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 BMW 3.3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1973 BMW 3.3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 440, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1973 BMW 3.3 (289 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 440. (132 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3.3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 440. 1973 BMW 3.3 has automatic transmission and 1989 Volvo 440 has manual transmission. 1989 Volvo 440 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 BMW 3.3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3.3 | 1989 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 3.3 | 440 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 167 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 48 L |
