2006 BMW 550 vs. 1990 Volvo 960
To start off, 2006 BMW 550 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volvo 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volvo 960 would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1990 Volvo 960. (187 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volvo 960. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 550 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1990 Volvo 960. 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, 2006 BMW 550 (488 Nm) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 960. (263 Nm). This means 2006 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 960.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 550 | 1990 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 550 | 960 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 263 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
