2009 BMW 525 vs. 1978 Volvo 164
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 164. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 164.
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 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 164. (204 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 1978 Volvo 164 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 525 | 164 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3350 mm |
