2003 BMW 520 vs. 1997 Volvo S70
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volvo S70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volvo S70 would be higher. At 2,434 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volvo S70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volvo S70 (236 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volvo S70 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volvo S70 weights approximately 92 kg more than 2003 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volvo S70, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 Volvo S70 (270 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Volvo S70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1997 Volvo S70 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | S70 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2434 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1652 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
