1996 BMW 520 vs. 1971 Volvo 164
To start off, 1996 BMW 520 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1971 Volvo 164. (129 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1971 Volvo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 136 kg more than 1971 Volvo 164. 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, 1971 Volvo 164 (210 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1971 Volvo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 1971 Volvo 164 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |
