1981 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Volvo V70
To start off, 2005 Volvo V70 is newer by 24 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 2,519 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volvo V70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo V70 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V70 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo V70 weights approximately 460 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 2005 Volvo V70 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V70 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Volvo V70 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo V70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520. 2005 Volvo V70 has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volvo V70 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2005 Volvo V70 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | V70 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
