2003 BMW 520 vs. 2001 Volvo S80
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volvo S80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volvo S80 would be higher. At 2,922 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volvo S80 (268 HP) has 101 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 199 kg more than 2001 Volvo S80.
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, 2001 Volvo S80, 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, 2001 Volvo S80 (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2001 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | S80 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 268 HP |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1501 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13 L/100km | 16.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 11.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
