2003 BMW 520 vs. 1974 Volvo 245
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 245. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 245 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 44 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 245. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 245. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 276 kg more than 1974 Volvo 245. 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 245. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 245.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1974 Volvo 245 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 245 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 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 | 10.7:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1394 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
