2009 BMW 120 vs. 1984 Volvo 740
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volvo 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volvo 740 would be higher. At 2,316 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1984 Volvo 740. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1984 Volvo 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1984 Volvo 740. 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 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volvo 740. (143 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volvo 740. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1984 Volvo 740 has manual transmission. 1984 Volvo 740 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1984 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 120 | 740 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2316 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 80 L |
