1988 BMW M3 vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 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 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (76 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 301 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 M3 (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2610 mm |
