1972 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Volvo XC90
To start off, 2005 Volvo XC90 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,433 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volvo XC90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo XC90 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo XC90 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo XC90 weights approximately 735 kg more than 1972 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volvo XC90 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volvo XC90 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Volvo XC90 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo XC90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2005 Volvo XC90 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | XC90 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2433 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 17.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 11.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
