1978 BMW 730 vs. 1957 Volvo 120
To start off, 1978 BMW 730 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 730 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1957 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1957 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 515 kg more than 1957 Volvo 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 730 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 1957 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 730 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2610 mm |
