1992 BMW 740 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1992 BMW 740 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 3,980 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 740 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 740 weights approximately 847 kg more than 1974 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, 1992 BMW 740 (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343. 1992 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 1974 Volvo 343 has manual transmission. 1974 Volvo 343 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1992 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 740 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 740 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 45 L |
