1978 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Volvo S40
To start off, 2005 Volvo S40 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,401 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 245 kg more than 2005 Volvo S40.
Because 1978 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 1978 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volvo S40 (340 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2005 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
