1996 BMW 730 vs. 1988 Volvo 480
To start off, 1996 BMW 730 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volvo 480. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volvo 480 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 730 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 480. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 730 weights approximately 706 kg more than 1988 Volvo 480. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 730 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 730. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 730 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 480. (176 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 480.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 730 | 1988 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 730 | 480 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
