1956 Volvo 120 vs. 2009 BMW 545
To start off, 2009 BMW 545 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 269 more horse power than 1956 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 545 weights approximately 710 kg more than 1956 Volvo 120. 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 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Volvo 120 | 2009 BMW 545 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 545 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2890 mm |
