1998 BMW 325 vs. 1977 Volvo 343
To start off, 1998 BMW 325 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 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 1977 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1977 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 325 weights approximately 444 kg more than 1977 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 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volvo 343. 1977 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 1977 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 325 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
