1990 BMW 525 vs. 2008 Volvo XC70
To start off, 2008 Volvo XC70 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo XC70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo XC70 (207 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1990 BMW 525. (185 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo XC70 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo XC70 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1990 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volvo XC70 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volvo XC70 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volvo XC70 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 525. (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo XC70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 525 | 2008 Volvo XC70 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 525 | XC70 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
