2009 BMW 530 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 is newer by 35 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 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1974 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, 2009 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 530 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 530 | 343 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
