2001 BMW 320 vs. 1999 Volvo S80
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volvo S80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volvo S80 would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 1999 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 320 (170 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1999 Volvo S80. (138 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1999 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 166 kg more than 1999 Volvo S80. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 BMW 320 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 2001 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volvo S80, 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 Volvo S80 (220 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1999 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 320 | S80 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
