1989 Volvo 480 vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volvo 480. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volvo 480 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 480. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 845 kg more than 1989 Volvo 480. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 535 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 2012 BMW 535. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 480, 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, 2012 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 480. (141 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 480. 2012 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1989 Volvo 480 has manual transmission. 1989 Volvo 480 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Volvo 480 | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 480 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1721 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2968 mm |
