1990 BMW 316 vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 343 (117 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316.
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, 1981 Volvo 343 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 316 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
