1988 BMW 525 vs. 1993 Volvo 440
To start off, 1993 Volvo 440 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1993 Volvo 440. (118 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1993 Volvo 440. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 368 kg more than 1993 Volvo 440. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 440, 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 525 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Volvo 440. (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Volvo 440.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1993 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 525 | 440 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
