2009 BMW M3 vs. 1984 Volvo 740
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volvo 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volvo 740 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 333 more horse power than 1984 Volvo 740. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1984 Volvo 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1984 Volvo 740. 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, 2009 BMW M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volvo 740. (143 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volvo 740.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1984 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | 740 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2316 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
