2008 BMW 523 vs. 1998 Volvo C70
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volvo C70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volvo C70 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volvo C70 (236 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo C70 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1998 Volvo C70.
Because 2008 BMW 523 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volvo C70, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 Volvo C70 (340 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo C70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1998 Volvo C70 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 523 | C70 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
