2008 BMW 325 vs. 1996 Volvo V90
To start off, 2008 BMW 325 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo V90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo V90 would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volvo V90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1996 Volvo V90. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo V90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo V90 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2008 BMW 325.
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, 1996 Volvo V90 (261 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 325. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo V90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 325. 1996 Volvo V90 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Volvo V90 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 325 | 1996 Volvo V90 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 325 | V90 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 261 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
