2003 BMW 320 vs. 1990 Volvo 240
To start off, 2003 BMW 320 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 320 (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1990 Volvo 240. (96 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 320 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1990 Volvo 240. 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, 2003 BMW 320 (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 240. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 240. 2003 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1990 Volvo 240 has manual transmission. 1990 Volvo 240 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 320 | 1990 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 320 | 240 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2660 mm |
