2008 BMW 330 vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 2008 BMW 330 is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (76 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 330 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1959 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, 2008 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 330 | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 330 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2978 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2610 mm |
