2006 BMW 523 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 32 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 689 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, 2006 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 523 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 523 | 343 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
