1985 BMW M5 vs. 1968 Volvo 120
To start off, 1985 BMW M5 is newer by 17 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 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW M5 (256 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1968 Volvo 120. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1968 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW M5 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1968 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, 1985 BMW M5 (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volvo 120. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW M5 | 1968 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M5 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1777 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.9 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
