2003 BMW 730 vs. 1978 Volvo 343
To start off, 2003 BMW 730 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 730 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 730 weights approximately 800 kg more than 1978 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, 2003 BMW 730 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 343. (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 730 | 1978 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 730 | 343 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1400 mm |
