1972 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Volvo S60
To start off, 2008 Volvo S60 is newer by 36 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 2,399 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S60 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2008 Volvo S60. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volvo S60. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S60 weights approximately 124 kg more than 1972 BMW 520.
Because 1972 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S60, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Volvo S60 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S60 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2008 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | S60 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 11.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1569 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
