1988 BMW 520 vs. 2010 Volvo C30
To start off, 2010 Volvo C30 is newer by 22 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2010 Volvo C30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volvo C30 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volvo C30 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 114 kg more than 2010 Volvo C30.
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, 2010 Volvo C30, 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, 2010 Volvo C30 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Volvo C30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2010 Volvo C30 has manual transmission. 2010 Volvo C30 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 | 2010 Volvo C30 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | C30 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4252 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1448 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
