1997 Volvo S70 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volvo S70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volvo S70 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1997 Volvo S70. (162 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volvo S70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1997 Volvo S70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 550 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 2012 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volvo S70, 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 388 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volvo S70. (221 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volvo S70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volvo S70 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | S70 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2435 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.9 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
