1988 BMW 520 vs. 1975 Volvo 260
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1975 Volvo 260.
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, 1975 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1975 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1975 Volvo 260 has manual transmission. 1975 Volvo 260 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 | 1975 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
