1988 BMW 535 vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1988 BMW 535 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 535 (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 635 kg more than 1959 Volvo 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 535 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 535 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1581 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2610 mm |
