1998 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Volvo 164
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 164 (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 164 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318.
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, 1978 Volvo 164 (204 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1978 Volvo 164 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3350 mm |
