1988 BMW 524 vs. 1999 Volvo S80
To start off, 1999 Volvo S80 is newer by 11 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, 1999 Volvo S80 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volvo S80 weights approximately 135 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, 1999 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, 1999 Volvo S80 (220 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524. 1999 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 524 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 524 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1999 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 524 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2800 mm |
