1999 BMW 318 vs. 1989 Volvo 460
To start off, 1999 BMW 318 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volvo 460. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volvo 460 would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volvo 460 (118 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1999 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 460 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 318 weights approximately 384 kg more than 1989 Volvo 460.
Because 1999 BMW 318 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 1999 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 460, 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, 1999 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 460. (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 460.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 318 | 1989 Volvo 460 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | 460 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1056 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
