1995 BMW 317 vs. 1956 Volvo 120
To start off, 1995 BMW 317 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,665 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 BMW 317 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW 317 (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1956 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW 317 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 317 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1956 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, 1995 BMW 317 (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1995 BMW 317 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 317 | 1956 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 317 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2610 mm |
