1978 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Volvo S80
To start off, 2012 Volvo S80 is newer by 34 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volvo S80 (300 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo S80 weights approximately 152 kg more than 1978 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volvo S80 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volvo S80 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, 2012 Volvo S80 (440 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520. 2012 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 BMW 520 | 2012 Volvo S80 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | 520 | S80 |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 3000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 300 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 440 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2100 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1822 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4851 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1862 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2835 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 5 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 8.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |