1996 BMW 725 vs. 1974 Volvo 140
To start off, 1996 BMW 725 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 140. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 140 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 725 (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 140. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 725 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 140.
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, 1996 BMW 725 (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 140. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 140.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 725 | 1974 Volvo 140 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 725 | 140 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2620 mm |
