2005 BMW 325 vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 2005 BMW 325 is newer by 24 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 325 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 343. (117 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 343.
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, 2005 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 325 | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 325 | 343 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 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 |
