1974 BMW 518 vs. 1976 Volvo 343
To start off, 1976 Volvo 343 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 518 (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1976 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 518 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1976 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, 1974 BMW 518 (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volvo 343. 1976 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 1976 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 518 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
