1990 BMW 520 vs. 1969 Volvo 1800
To start off, 1990 BMW 520 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Volvo 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Volvo 1800 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 @ 5900 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1969 Volvo 1800. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1969 Volvo 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 412 kg more than 1969 Volvo 1800. 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 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Volvo 1800. (167 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Volvo 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 520 | 1969 Volvo 1800 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 1800 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2460 mm |
