1988 BMW 520 vs. 1972 Volvo 1800
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volvo 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volvo 1800 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1972 Volvo 1800. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1972 Volvo 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 380 kg more than 1972 Volvo 1800. 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, 1972 Volvo 1800 (176 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Volvo 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1972 Volvo 1800 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 1800 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2460 mm |
