1996 BMW 545 vs. 1956 Volvo 120
To start off, 1996 BMW 545 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 545 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 1956 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 545 weights approximately 655 kg more than 1956 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 545 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 545 | 1956 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 545 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2610 mm |
