1959 BMW 700 vs. 2008 Volvo S40
To start off, 2008 Volvo S40 is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S40 weights approximately 828 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 BMW 700 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 1959 BMW 700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S40, 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, 2008 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 700 | 2008 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 700 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 695 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 126 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1458 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 62 L |
