2001 BMW 318 vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 20 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 343 (117 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318.
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, 2001 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | 343 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| 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 | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 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 |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
