1990 Volvo 960 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 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volvo 960 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 @ 5800 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1990 Volvo 960. (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volvo 960. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 740 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1990 Volvo 960. 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 @ 1600 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 960. (267 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 960. 2012 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 1990 Volvo 960 has manual transmission. 1990 Volvo 960 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 960 | 2012 BMW 740 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 960 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2922 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 267 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| 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 | 1560 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 82 L |
