1987 BMW 318 vs. 1956 Volvo 120
To start off, 1987 BMW 318 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1956 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Volvo 120 weights approximately 29 kg more than 1987 BMW 318.
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, 1987 BMW 318 (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1987 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 318 | 1956 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 995 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 |
