1981 BMW 525 vs. 2009 Volvo V70
To start off, 2009 Volvo V70 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,192 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Volvo V70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo V70 (235 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo V70 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo V70 weights approximately 318 kg more than 1981 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volvo V70, 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, 2009 Volvo V70 (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo V70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525. 2009 Volvo V70 has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volvo V70 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2009 Volvo V70 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 525 | V70 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 3192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1598 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
