2009 BMW 125 vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (76 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 125 weights approximately 331 kg more than 1959 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 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 125 | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 125 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2610 mm |
