1975 BMW 316 vs. 1972 Volvo 1800
To start off, 1975 BMW 316 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volvo 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volvo 1800 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Volvo 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Volvo 1800 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1975 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Volvo 1800 should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volvo 1800 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1975 BMW 316. 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, 1972 Volvo 1800 (176 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Volvo 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 316 | 1972 Volvo 1800 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 316 | 1800 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2460 mm |
