1962 BMW 1500 vs. 2006 Volvo V50
To start off, 2006 Volvo V50 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 1500 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo V50 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1962 BMW 1500. (80 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1962 BMW 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo V50 weights approximately 436 kg more than 1962 BMW 1500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 BMW 1500 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 1962 BMW 1500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volvo V50, 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, 2006 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 BMW 1500. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 BMW 1500. 2006 Volvo V50 has automatic transmission and 1962 BMW 1500 has manual transmission. 1962 BMW 1500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volvo V50 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 1500 | 2006 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 1500 | V50 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1043 kg | 1479 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2650 mm |
