1997 BMW Z3 vs. 1990 Volvo 940
To start off, 1997 BMW Z3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volvo 940. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volvo 940 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1990 Volvo 940. (111 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volvo 940. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW Z3 weights approximately 19 kg more than 1990 Volvo 940. 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, 1997 BMW Z3 (355 Nm) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 940. (157 Nm). This means 1997 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 940.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW Z3 | 1990 Volvo 940 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | Z3 | 940 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 179 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2780 mm |
