1990 BMW M3 vs. 1993 Volvo 850
To start off, 1993 Volvo 850 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1993 Volvo 850. (223 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1993 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Volvo 850 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1990 BMW M3.
Because 1990 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 850, 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, 1993 Volvo 850 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1993 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 1993 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 2319 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 73 L |
