1996 BMW 520 vs. 1989 Volvo 245
To start off, 1996 BMW 520 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volvo 245. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volvo 245 would be higher. At 2,316 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volvo 245 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 245. (110 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 245.
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 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 245. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 245.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 1989 Volvo 245 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 245 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2316 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
