1990 BMW 316 vs. 1970 Volvo 120
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 316 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1970 Volvo 120. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1970 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, 1970 Volvo 120 (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1970 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1970 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 316 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2610 mm |
