1990 BMW 316 vs. 1998 Volvo S80
To start off, 1998 Volvo S80 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volvo S80 (178 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 501 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 316 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 1990 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S80, 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, 1998 Volvo S80 (240 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 1998 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 316 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1581 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
