1996 BMW 523 vs. 1988 Volvo 240
To start off, 1996 BMW 523 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 523 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 240. (96 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1988 Volvo 240. 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 523 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 240. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 1988 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 523 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
