1986 BMW 730 vs. 1993 Volvo 850
To start off, 1993 Volvo 850 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Volvo 850 (225 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1986 BMW 730. (197 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW 730 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1993 Volvo 850.
Because 1986 BMW 730 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1986 BMW 730. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 850, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1993 Volvo 850 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW 730. (275 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 730 | 1993 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 730 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2319 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2680 mm |
