1996 BMW 520 vs. 1972 Volvo 164
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 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Volvo 164 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Volvo 164 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 136 kg more than 1972 Volvo 164.
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, 1972 Volvo 164 (241 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1972 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 | 1972 Volvo 164 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| 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 | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| 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 | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
