2003 BMW 520 vs. 1970 Volvo 120
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1970 Volvo 120. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 670 kg more than 1970 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volvo 120. (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW 520 | 1970 Volvo 120 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | 520 | 120 |
Year Released | 2003 | 1970 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1986 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 167 HP | 81 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 157 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 80 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1030 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4460 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2610 mm |