2009 BMW 120 vs. 1972 Volvo 1800
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volvo 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volvo 1800 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1972 Volvo 1800. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1972 Volvo 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 136 kg more than 1972 Volvo 1800. 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, 2009 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volvo 1800. (176 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volvo 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1972 Volvo 1800 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 120 | 1800 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2460 mm |
