2005 BMW 530 vs. 1988 Volvo 480
To start off, 2005 BMW 530 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volvo 480. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volvo 480 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 480. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 530 weights approximately 655 kg more than 1988 Volvo 480. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW 530 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 2005 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480, 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, 2005 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 480. (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 480.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 530 | 1988 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 530 | 480 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1719 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2510 mm |
