2004 BMW 318 vs. 1961 Volvo 120
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (113 HP) has 54 more horse power than 1961 Volvo 120. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1961 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 395 kg more than 1961 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, 2004 BMW 318 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1961 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
