1998 BMW 318 vs. 1975 Volvo 240
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1975 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1975 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1975 Volvo 240. 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volvo 240. (158 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1975 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2650 mm |
