1986 BMW M5 vs. 1990 Volvo 960
To start off, 1990 Volvo 960 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,428 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1990 Volvo 960. (204 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volvo 960. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 960 weights approximately 41 kg more than 1986 BMW M5.
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, 1986 BMW M5 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 960. (267 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 960. 1986 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 1990 Volvo 960 has manual transmission. 1990 Volvo 960 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 1990 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M5 | 960 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 80 L |
