1978 BMW 730 vs. 1980 Volvo 244
To start off, 1980 Volvo 244 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 730 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 244. (136 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 244. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 217 kg more than 1980 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, 1978 BMW 730 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 244. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 244.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 1980 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 730 | 244 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1293 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2650 mm |
