2009 BMW 120 vs. 1974 Volvo 140
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 140. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 140 would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 140. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 140.
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 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 140. (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 140.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1974 Volvo 140 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 120 | 140 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2620 mm |
