1989 Volvo 760 vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volvo 760. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volvo 760 would be higher. At 2,314 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volvo 760 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volvo 760 (163 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2012 BMW 120. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 760 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 98 kg more than 1989 Volvo 760.
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 120 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 760. (263 Nm @ 3450 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 760.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Volvo 760 | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 760 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2314 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3450 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1462 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2660 mm |
