1979 BMW 633 vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 BMW 633. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 BMW 633 would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 BMW 633 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 BMW 633 (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 850. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 BMW 633 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 BMW 633 weights approximately 13 kg more than 1996 Volvo 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 BMW 633 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 1979 BMW 633. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850, 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, 1996 Volvo 850 (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 BMW 633. (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 BMW 633.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 BMW 633 | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 633 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1457 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2670 mm |
