1988 BMW 520 vs. 1994 Volvo 960
To start off, 1994 Volvo 960 is newer by 6 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 2,473 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volvo 960 (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1994 Volvo 960.
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, 1994 Volvo 960 (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1994 Volvo 960 has manual transmission. 1994 Volvo 960 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 | 1994 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 960 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2473 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2780 mm |
