1981 BMW 745 vs. 1968 Volvo 145
To start off, 1981 BMW 745 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volvo 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volvo 145 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 745 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 745 (252 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1968 Volvo 145. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 745 should accelerate faster than 1968 Volvo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 745 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1968 Volvo 145. 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 745 (380 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volvo 145. (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 745 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volvo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 745 | 1968 Volvo 145 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 745 | 145 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2620 mm |
