1998 BMW 325 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1998 BMW 325 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 325 (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 325 weights approximately 491 kg more than 1974 Volvo 343. 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 325 (220 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 325 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
