1990 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Volvo S80
To start off, 2005 Volvo S80 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo S80 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1990 BMW 520. (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo S80 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1990 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 520 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 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volvo S80 (351 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520. 2005 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1990 BMW 520 | 2005 Volvo S80 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | 520 | S80 |
Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2435 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 145 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 186 Nm | 351 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 93.2 mm |
Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1637 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4830 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |