1983 BMW 316 vs. 1960 Volvo 120
To start off, 1983 BMW 316 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,765 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 316 (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1960 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1960 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Volvo 120 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1983 BMW 316.
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, 1983 BMW 316 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Volvo 120. (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 1960 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 316 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
