2008 BMW 130 vs. 1990 Volvo 960
To start off, 2008 BMW 130 is newer by 18 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 130 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 130 (268 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1990 Volvo 960. (204 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 130 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volvo 960. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 960 weights approximately 185 kg more than 2008 BMW 130.
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, 2008 BMW 130 (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 960. (267 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 960. 2008 BMW 130 has automatic transmission and 1990 Volvo 960 has manual transmission. 1990 Volvo 960 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 130 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 130 | 1990 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 130 | 960 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 80 L |
