2003 BMW 530 vs. 1968 Volvo 120
To start off, 2003 BMW 530 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 530 (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1968 Volvo 120. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1968 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 562 kg more than 1968 Volvo 120. 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 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volvo 120. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 1968 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 530 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1777 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
