1996 BMW 540 vs. 1964 Volvo 120
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1964 Volvo 120. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1964 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 805 kg more than 1964 Volvo 120. 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 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Volvo 120. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1964 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 540 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
