1990 Volvo 940 vs. 2012 BMW 740
To start off, 2012 BMW 740 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volvo 940. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volvo 940 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 740 (315 HP) has 125 more horse power than 1990 Volvo 940. (190 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volvo 940. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 740 weights approximately 600 kg more than 1990 Volvo 940. 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, 2012 BMW 740 (447 Nm) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 940. (279 Nm). This means 2012 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 940. 2012 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 1990 Volvo 940 has manual transmission. 1990 Volvo 940 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Volvo 940 | 2012 BMW 740 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 940 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2316 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 315 HP |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 2010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5215 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 3210 mm |
