1988 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Volvo XC90
To start off, 2006 Volvo XC90 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 3,192 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Volvo XC90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo XC90 (235 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo XC90 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo XC90 weights approximately 412 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 2006 Volvo XC90 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, 2006 Volvo XC90 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, 2006 Volvo XC90 (321 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo XC90 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 XC90 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | XC90 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1982 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
