2003 BMW 520 vs. 1985 Volvo 780
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volvo 780. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volvo 780 would be higher. At 2,383 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Volvo 780 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1985 Volvo 780. (127 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1985 Volvo 780. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1985 Volvo 780. 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, 1985 Volvo 780 (250 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Volvo 780 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1985 Volvo 780 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 780 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 10.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.5 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.8 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
