1996 BMW 730 vs. 1978 Volvo 240
To start off, 1996 BMW 730 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 240 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 86 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 240. (104 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 240.
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 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 240. (160 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 730 | 1978 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 730 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| 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 | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2650 mm |
