2008 Volvo XC90 vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volvo XC90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volvo XC90 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo XC90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2008 Volvo XC90. (105 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volvo XC90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo XC90 weights approximately 417 kg more than 2009 BMW 523.
Because 2008 Volvo XC90 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 BMW 523. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volvo XC90 will offer significantly more control. 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 Volvo XC90 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo XC90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volvo XC90 | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | XC90 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.2 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.4 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1982 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.2 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
