1975 BMW 520 vs. 1988 Volvo 245
To start off, 1988 Volvo 245 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 BMW 520 (123 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 245. (96 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 245.
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, 1975 BMW 520 (172 Nm @ 4350 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 245. (158 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1975 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 245.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 520 | 1988 Volvo 245 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 245 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4350 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2660 mm |
