1983 BMW 316 vs. 1968 Volvo 120
To start off, 1983 BMW 316 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,777 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Volvo 120 (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Volvo 120 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1983 BMW 316. 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, 1968 Volvo 120 (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 1968 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 316 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1572 cc | 1777 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
