1988 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Volvo S80
To start off, 2006 Volvo S80 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 2,401 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2006 Volvo S80. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo S80 weights approximately 46 kg more than 1988 BMW 520.
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 S80, 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 S80 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S80 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 S80 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 280 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 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 11.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
