2001 BMW M vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 2001 BMW M is newer by 27 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 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M weights approximately 432 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, 2001 BMW M (345 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M | 343 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 345 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 45 L |
