1968 Volvo 120 vs. 2009 BMW 530
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (268 HP) has 201 more horse power than 1968 Volvo 120. (67 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1968 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 530 weights approximately 595 kg more than 1968 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 530 (320 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volvo 120. (144 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Volvo 120 | 2009 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1777 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 268 HP |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1605 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 |
