2003 BMW 520 vs. 1984 Volvo 740
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volvo 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volvo 740 would be higher. At 2,316 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1984 Volvo 740. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1984 Volvo 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1984 Volvo 740. 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 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volvo 740. (143 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volvo 740.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1984 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 740 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 2316 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 23.5:1 |
| 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 | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
