1996 BMW 840 vs. 1987 Volvo 480
To start off, 1996 BMW 840 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Volvo 480. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Volvo 480 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 840 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 840 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1987 Volvo 480. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 1987 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 870 kg more than 1987 Volvo 480. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 840 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 840. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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 840 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Volvo 480. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Volvo 480. 1996 BMW 840 has automatic transmission and 1987 Volvo 480 has manual transmission. 1987 Volvo 480 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 840 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 1987 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 840 | 480 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1719 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2510 mm |
