2009 BMW 525 vs. 1997 Volvo S90
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volvo S90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volvo S90 would be higher. At 2,922 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Volvo S90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1997 Volvo S90. (177 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volvo S90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volvo S90 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2009 BMW 525.
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, 1997 Volvo S90 (260 Nm @ 4350 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1997 Volvo S90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 525. 2009 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1997 Volvo S90 has manual transmission. 1997 Volvo S90 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 1997 Volvo S90 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 525 | S90 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1450 mm |
