1991 BMW 518 vs. 1962 Volvo 120
To start off, 1991 BMW 518 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,778 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 BMW 518 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1962 Volvo 120. (81 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1962 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 BMW 518 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1962 Volvo 120. 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, 1991 BMW 518 (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volvo 120. (142 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW 518 | 1962 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 518 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2610 mm |
