2009 BMW Z4 vs. 1979 Volvo 343
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW Z4 weights approximately 495 kg more than 1979 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, 2009 BMW Z4 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 343. 1979 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW Z4 | 1979 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | Z4 | 343 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1400 mm |
