1977 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Volvo S40
To start off, 2011 Volvo S40 is newer by 34 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), 2011 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 51 kg more than 2011 Volvo S40.
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, 2011 Volvo S40, 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, 2011 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2011 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520. 2011 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1977 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1977 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 2011 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1514 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4475 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.7 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
