1958 BMW 600 vs. 1991 Volvo 850
To start off, 1991 Volvo 850 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 600 would be higher. At 2,434 cc (5 cylinders), 1991 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Volvo 850 (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1958 BMW 600. (20 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Volvo 850 weights approximately 820 kg more than 1958 BMW 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 BMW 600 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1958 BMW 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 Volvo 850, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1991 Volvo 850 (230 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 600. (38 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1991 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 600 | 1991 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 600 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 583 cc | 2434 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 38 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2910 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1710 mm | 2670 mm |
