1989 Volvo 740 vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volvo 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volvo 740 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (271 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 740. (116 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 530 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1989 Volvo 740. 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, 2012 BMW 530 (310 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 740. (194 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 740. 2012 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 1989 Volvo 740 has manual transmission. 1989 Volvo 740 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Volvo 740 | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 740 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 194 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2968 mm |
