1987 BMW 318 vs. 1965 Volvo 120
To start off, 1987 BMW 318 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 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) has 47 more horse power than 1965 Volvo 120. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1965 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Volvo 120 weights approximately 44 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 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volvo 120. (144 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1987 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 318 | 1965 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1776 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 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 |
