1973 Volvo 164 vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 2,976 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1973 Volvo 164. (142 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volvo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 116 kg more than 1973 Volvo 164. 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, 1973 Volvo 164 (221 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Volvo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Volvo 164 | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 164 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2976 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1476 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 63 L |
