1998 BMW 318 vs. 1987 Volvo 740
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Volvo 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Volvo 740 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Volvo 740 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 63 kg more than 1987 Volvo 740.
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, 1987 Volvo 740 (239 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1987 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1987 Volvo 740 has manual transmission. 1987 Volvo 740 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1987 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1987 |
| 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 | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2780 mm |
