1983 BMW 323 vs. 1971 Volvo 140
To start off, 1983 BMW 323 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volvo 140. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volvo 140 would be higher. At 2,315 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 323 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1971 Volvo 140. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1971 Volvo 140. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volvo 140 weights approximately 133 kg more than 1983 BMW 323.
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, 1983 BMW 323 (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volvo 140. (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volvo 140.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 323 | 1971 Volvo 140 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 323 | 140 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2315 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1127 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2610 mm |
