1998 BMW 325 vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 1998 BMW 325 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 343 (117 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1998 BMW 325. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 325.
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 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 325 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
