2006 BMW 530 vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 2006 BMW 530 is newer by 25 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 2,993 cc, 2006 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 530 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 530 weights approximately 845 kg more than 1981 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 530 (480 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 372 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 530 | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 530 | 343 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1397 cc |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1400 mm |
