2003 BMW M3 vs. 1962 Volvo 120
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 1962 Volvo 120. (81 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1962 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1962 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 M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volvo 120. (142 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW M3 | 1962 Volvo 120 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | M3 | 120 |
Year Released | 2003 | 1962 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1778 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 342 HP | 81 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 142 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84.2 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 80 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1010 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4460 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2610 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 58 L |