1996 BMW 730 vs. 1974 Volvo 244
To start off, 1996 BMW 730 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 244. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 244 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 730 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 244. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 244. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 730 weights approximately 342 kg more than 1974 Volvo 244. 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, 1996 BMW 730 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 244. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 244.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 730 | 1974 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 730 | 244 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 60 L |
