1969 BMW 1600 vs. 1962 Volvo 120
To start off, 1969 BMW 1600 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 BMW 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 BMW 1600 (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1962 Volvo 120. (81 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 BMW 1600 should accelerate faster than 1962 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Volvo 120 weights approximately 14 kg more than 1969 BMW 1600.
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, 1969 BMW 1600 (160 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volvo 120. (142 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1969 BMW 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 BMW 1600 | 1962 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 1600 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 58 L |
