1977 BMW 520 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1977 BMW 520 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 520 (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 367 kg more than 1974 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, 1977 BMW 520 (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343. 1974 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1977 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1977 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
