1987 BMW 324 vs. 1980 Volvo 343
To start off, 1987 BMW 324 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 324 (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 324 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW 324 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1980 Volvo 343. 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, 1987 BMW 324 (214 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 BMW 324 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 343. 1980 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1987 BMW 324 has manual transmission. 1987 BMW 324 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 324 | 1980 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 324 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
