1994 BMW 316 vs. 1969 Volvo 120
To start off, 1994 BMW 316 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Volvo 120 (106 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1994 BMW 316. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1994 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW 316 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1969 Volvo 120.
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, 1969 Volvo 120 (167 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1969 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 316 | 1969 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 316 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 45 L |
