1974 Volvo 244 vs. 2009 BMW 325
To start off, 2009 BMW 325 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 244. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 244 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 244. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 244. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 325 weights approximately 121 kg more than 1974 Volvo 244. 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, 2009 BMW 325 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 244. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 244.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Volvo 244 | 2009 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 244 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2125 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 63 L |
