1981 BMW 745 vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1981 BMW 745 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 745 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 745 (252 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (76 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 745 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 745 weights approximately 601 kg more than 1959 Volvo 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 745 (380 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 745 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 745 | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | 745 | 120 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1959 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1580 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 252 HP | 76 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 380 Nm | 118 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 79.4 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 995 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4460 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2610 mm |