1978 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Volvo S60
To start off, 2006 Volvo S60 is newer by 28 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 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo S60 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S60 (207 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S60 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 136 kg more than 2006 Volvo S60.
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, 2006 Volvo S60, 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, 2006 Volvo S60 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S60 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2006 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | S60 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 7.6 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 | 1534 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
