1988 BMW 520 vs. 1989 Volvo 440
To start off, 1989 Volvo 440 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 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 20 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 440. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 440. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 540 kg more than 1989 Volvo 440. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 520 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 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 440, 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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 440. (143 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 440. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1989 Volvo 440 has manual transmission. 1989 Volvo 440 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 | 1989 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 440 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
