1981 BMW 525 vs. 1968 Volvo 145
To start off, 1981 BMW 525 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volvo 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volvo 145 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1968 Volvo 145. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1968 Volvo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Volvo 145 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1981 BMW 525.
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, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volvo 145. (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volvo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1968 Volvo 145 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 525 | 145 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
