1998 BMW 740 vs. 1985 Volvo 740
To start off, 1998 BMW 740 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volvo 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volvo 740 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 740 (286 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1985 Volvo 740. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1985 Volvo 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 740 weights approximately 638 kg more than 1985 Volvo 740. 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 740 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volvo 740. (240 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volvo 740.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 740 | 1985 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 740 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1968 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2780 mm |
