1996 BMW 520 vs. 1972 Volvo 140
To start off, 1996 BMW 520 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volvo 140. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volvo 140 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1972 Volvo 140. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1972 Volvo 140. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 236 kg more than 1972 Volvo 140. 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, 1996 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volvo 140. (153 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volvo 140.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 1972 Volvo 140 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 140 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2610 mm |
