1981 BMW 525 vs. 1979 Volvo 343
To start off, 1981 BMW 525 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1979 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, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 343. 1979 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1979 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 525 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
