1996 Volvo 960 vs. 2012 BMW 116
To start off, 2012 BMW 116 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo 960 would be higher. At 2,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 960 (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2012 BMW 116. (116 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 960 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2012 BMW 116. 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, 2012 BMW 116 (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 960. (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 116 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 960.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volvo 960 | 2012 BMW 116 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 960 | 116 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2472 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4550 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2660 mm |
