1988 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Volvo XC90
To start off, 2009 Volvo XC90 is newer by 21 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 2,399 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo XC90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo XC90 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo XC90 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 201 kg more than 2009 Volvo XC90.
Because 2009 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, 2009 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, 2009 Volvo XC90 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Volvo XC90 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | XC90 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 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 | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 11.5 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 | 1369 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
