1988 BMW 520 vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 8 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 2,461 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 850 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 77 kg more than 1996 Volvo 850.
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, 1996 Volvo 850, 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, 1996 Volvo 850 (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1996 Volvo 850 has manual transmission. 1996 Volvo 850 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 | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | 520 | 850 |
Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2461 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 290 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1493 kg |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |