1990 BMW 520 vs. 1961 Volvo 120
To start off, 1990 BMW 520 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 520 (145 HP) has 86 more horse power than 1961 Volvo 120. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1961 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 547 kg more than 1961 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, 1990 BMW 520 (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 520 | 1961 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2610 mm |
