1994 BMW M3 vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1994 BMW M3 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW M3 (281 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (76 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW M3 weights approximately 470 kg more than 1959 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, 1994 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1994 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
1994 BMW M3 | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | M3 | 120 |
Year Released | 1994 | 1959 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2990 cc | 1580 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 281 HP | 76 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 320 Nm | 118 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79.4 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 80 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 995 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4460 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2610 mm |