1973 BMW 525 vs. 1965 Volvo 122
To start off, 1973 BMW 525 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Volvo 122. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Volvo 122 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 525 (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1965 Volvo 122. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1965 Volvo 122. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 525 weights approximately 288 kg more than 1965 Volvo 122. 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, 1973 BMW 525 (208 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volvo 122. (140 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volvo 122.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 525 | 1965 Volvo 122 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 525 | 122 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2610 mm |
