1988 BMW 524 vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 850 (124 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1988 BMW 524. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 524 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 524. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850, 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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 850. (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 524 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
