1988 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Volvo V70
To start off, 2005 Volvo V70 is newer by 17 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 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volvo V70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo V70 (139 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V70 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2005 Volvo V70.
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, 2005 Volvo V70, 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, 2005 Volvo V70 (220 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo V70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2005 Volvo V70 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | V70 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
