1964 Volvo 120 vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1964 Volvo 120. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1964 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 555 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, 2009 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Volvo 120. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Volvo 120 | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1778 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.2 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1565 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
