1988 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Volvo XC70
To start off, 2005 Volvo XC70 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 2,524 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volvo XC70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo XC70 (206 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo XC70 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2005 Volvo XC70.
Because 2005 Volvo XC70 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volvo XC70 will offer significantly more control. 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 XC70 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo XC70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2005 Volvo XC70 has manual transmission. 2005 Volvo XC70 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 | 2005 Volvo XC70 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | XC70 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2524 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 206 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1400 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
