1959 BMW 503 vs. 1964 Volvo 120
To start off, 1964 Volvo 120 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 503 (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1964 Volvo 120. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1964 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1964 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, 1959 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Volvo 120. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1964 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 503 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 45 L |
