1988 BMW 524 vs. 1978 Volvo 343
To start off, 1988 BMW 524 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 524 (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 524 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 365 kg more than 1978 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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 343. (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 343. 1978 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 524 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 524 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1978 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 524 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 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 | 210 Nm | 109 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 | 1355 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
