2001 BMW 520 vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 2001 BMW 520 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (76 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 520 weights approximately 675 kg more than 1959 Volvo 120. 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, 2001 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 520 | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2610 mm |
