2001 BMW 520 vs. 1974 Volvo 244
To start off, 2001 BMW 520 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 244. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 244 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 44 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 244. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 244. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 520 weights approximately 266 kg more than 1974 Volvo 244. 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 244. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 244. 1974 Volvo 244 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Volvo 244 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 520 | 1974 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 244 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2125 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
