1983 BMW 316 vs. 1994 Volvo 960
To start off, 1994 Volvo 960 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,473 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volvo 960 (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volvo 960 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1983 BMW 316. 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, 1994 Volvo 960 (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316. 1983 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1994 Volvo 960 has manual transmission. 1994 Volvo 960 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 1994 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 316 | 960 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 2473 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2780 mm |
