1988 BMW 520 vs. 1997 Volvo C70
To start off, 1997 Volvo C70 is newer by 9 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 2,319 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volvo C70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volvo C70 (236 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volvo C70 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1997 Volvo C70.
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, 1997 Volvo C70, 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, 1997 Volvo C70 (330 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Volvo C70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1997 Volvo C70 has manual transmission. 1997 Volvo C70 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 | 1997 Volvo C70 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | C70 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2319 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
