2009 BMW 120 vs. 1983 Volvo 740
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volvo 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volvo 740 would be higher. At 2,316 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volvo 740 (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (169 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1983 Volvo 740.
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, 1983 Volvo 740 (260 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1983 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1983 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 120 | 740 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2316 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 60 L |
