2004 BMW 120 vs. 1998 Volvo S80
To start off, 2004 BMW 120 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volvo S80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volvo S80 would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volvo S80 (167 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2004 BMW 120. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2004 BMW 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 120 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 2004 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2004 BMW 120 (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volvo S80. (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volvo S80.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 120 | S80 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.6 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 13.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
