1988 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Volvo C70
To start off, 2006 Volvo C70 is newer by 18 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 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo C70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo C70 (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo C70 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo C70 weights approximately 122 kg more than 1988 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 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, 2006 Volvo C70 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo C70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2006 Volvo C70 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | C70 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 17.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1692 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
