2008 BMW X3 vs. 1996 Volvo S90
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo S90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo S90 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X3 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 Volvo S90. (201 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo S90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1996 Volvo S90. 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 X3 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo S90. (267 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo S90.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 1996 Volvo S90 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | X3 | S90 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
