1968 Volvo 120 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 43 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1968 Volvo 120. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1968 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 430 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, 2011 BMW 120 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volvo 120. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Volvo 120 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1777 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 51 L |
