1987 BMW 324 vs. 2005 Volvo V50
To start off, 2005 Volvo V50 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 324. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 324 would be higher. At 2,519 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo V50 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1987 BMW 324. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 324. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo V50 weights approximately 139 kg more than 1987 BMW 324. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 BMW 324 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1987 BMW 324. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V50, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2005 Volvo V50 (320 Nm) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 324. (214 Nm). This means 2005 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 324.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 324 | 2005 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 324 | V50 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 2519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
