1988 BMW 520 vs. 1974 Volvo 244
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 244. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 244 would be higher. At 2,127 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 244 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 244. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 244. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 166 kg more than 1974 Volvo 244. 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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 244. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 244. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1974 Volvo 244 has manual transmission. 1974 Volvo 244 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1974 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 244 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
