2006 BMW M3 vs. 1956 Volvo 120
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (333 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 274 more horse power than 1956 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 575 kg more than 1956 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, 2006 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
2006 BMW M3 | 1956 Volvo 120 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | M3 | 120 |
Year Released | 2006 | 1956 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1582 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 333 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 355 Nm | 115 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 79.4 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 80 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 995 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4460 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2610 mm |