1983 BMW 325 vs. 1974 Volvo 244
To start off, 1983 BMW 325 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 244. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 244 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 325 (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 244. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 244. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 244 weights approximately 149 kg more than 1983 BMW 325.
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 325 (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 244. (170 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 244.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 325 | 1974 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 325 | 244 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
