1981 BMW 520 vs. 1993 Volvo 850
To start off, 1993 Volvo 850 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,319 cc (5 cylinders), 1993 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Volvo 850 (225 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Volvo 850 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1981 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 520 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 1981 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 1993 Volvo 850 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 1993 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2319 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
