2005 Volvo V50 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volvo V50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volvo V50 would be higher. At 2,318 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo V50 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 46 kg more than 2005 Volvo V50.
Because 2010 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 2010 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V50, 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, 2010 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volvo V50. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volvo V50.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volvo V50 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | V50 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2318 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1479 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 51 L |
