2008 BMW 523 vs. 1975 Volvo 240
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1975 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1975 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1975 Volvo 240. 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 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volvo 240. (158 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1975 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 523 | 240 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2650 mm |
