1981 BMW 745 vs. 1987 Volvo 740
To start off, 1987 Volvo 740 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 745. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 745 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 96 more horse power than 1987 Volvo 740. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 745 should accelerate faster than 1987 Volvo 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 745 weights approximately 258 kg more than 1987 Volvo 740. 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 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Volvo 740. (239 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 745 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Volvo 740.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 745 | 1987 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 745 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1987 |
| 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 | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2780 mm |
