2009 BMW 525 vs. 1997 Volvo V90
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 V90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volvo V90 would be higher. At 2,922 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Volvo V90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1997 Volvo V90. (178 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volvo V90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volvo V90 weights approximately 230 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 V90 (260 Nm @ 4350 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1997 Volvo V90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 1997 Volvo V90 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 525 | V90 |
| 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 | 178 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 | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1450 mm |
