1977 BMW 520 vs. 2010 Volvo V50
To start off, 2010 Volvo V50 is newer by 33 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2010 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volvo V50 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volvo V50 weights approximately 288 kg more than 1977 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Volvo V50 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1977 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Volvo V50 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2010 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 2010 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | V50 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1598 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4521 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
