1978 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Volvo C70
To start off, 2008 Volvo C70 is newer by 30 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 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo C70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo C70 (161 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo C70 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 12 kg more than 2008 Volvo C70.
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, 2008 Volvo C70, 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volvo C70. (230 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volvo C70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2008 Volvo C70 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | C70 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1658 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
