2008 BMW 318 vs. 1987 Volvo 740
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Volvo 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Volvo 740 would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Volvo 740 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 173 kg more than 1987 Volvo 740.
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, 1987 Volvo 740 (239 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1987 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1987 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | 740 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2780 mm |
