1977 BMW 520 vs. 1988 Volvo 440
To start off, 1988 Volvo 440 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 520 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 440. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 440. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 535 kg more than 1988 Volvo 440. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 440, 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, 1977 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 440. (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 440.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 1988 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 440 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
