1991 BMW 525 vs. 1993 Volvo 850
To start off, 1993 Volvo 850 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Volvo 850 (223 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1991 BMW 525. (143 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 BMW 525 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1993 Volvo 850.
Because 1991 BMW 525 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 1991 BMW 525. 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 525. (260 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1993 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW 525 | 1993 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 525 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2319 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 73 L |
