1956 BMW 501 vs. 1988 Volvo 240
To start off, 1988 Volvo 240 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,166 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 240. (96 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1988 Volvo 240. 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, 1956 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 240. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1988 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 501 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
