2009 BMW 125 vs. 1956 Volvo 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (216 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1956 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 125 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1956 Volvo 120. 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 125 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 125 | 1956 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 125 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2610 mm |
