1973 BMW 525 vs. 2006 Volvo S80
To start off, 2006 Volvo S80 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 525 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 5 more horse power than 2006 Volvo S80. (138 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo S80 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1973 BMW 525.
Because 1973 BMW 525 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 1973 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S80, 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, 2006 Volvo S80 (220 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 525. (208 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 525. 2006 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1973 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1973 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 525 | 2006 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 525 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
