1975 BMW 520 vs. 2007 Volvo V50
To start off, 2007 Volvo V50 is newer by 32 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo V50 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1975 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo V50 weights approximately 189 kg more than 1975 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volvo V50, 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, 2007 Volvo V50 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 520. (172 Nm @ 4350 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 520 | 2007 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | V50 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4350 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12 seconds | 12.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
