1978 BMW 725 vs. 1990 Volvo 460
To start off, 1990 Volvo 460 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 725 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 725 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1990 Volvo 460. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 725 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volvo 460.
Because 1978 BMW 725 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 725. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 460, 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 725 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 460. (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 460.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 725 | 1990 Volvo 460 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 725 | 460 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1720 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2510 mm |
