2003 BMW 520 vs. 1972 Volvo P 1800
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volvo P 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volvo P 1800 would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1972 Volvo P 1800. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1972 Volvo P 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 550 kg more than 1972 Volvo P 1800. 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 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volvo P 1800. (153 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volvo P 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1972 Volvo P 1800 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | P 1800 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 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 | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2460 mm |
