1980 BMW M5 vs. 1992 Volvo 850
To start off, 1992 Volvo 850 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1992 Volvo 850. (167 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1992 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Volvo 850 weights approximately 49 kg more than 1980 BMW M5.
Because 1980 BMW M5 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 1980 BMW M5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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, 1980 BMW M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Volvo 850. (230 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Volvo 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 1992 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M5 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
