1980 Volvo 343 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 800 kg more than 1980 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, 2012 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volvo 343 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 343 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1462 mm |
