1975 Volvo 240 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1975 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1975 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1975 Volvo 240. 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, 2011 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volvo 240. (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Volvo 240 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 240 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2670 mm |
