2009 BMW 550 vs. 1968 Volvo P 1800
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volvo P 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volvo P 1800 would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 259 more horse power than 1968 Volvo P 1800. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1968 Volvo P 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 572 kg more than 1968 Volvo P 1800. 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 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 338 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volvo P 1800. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volvo P 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1968 Volvo P 1800 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 550 | P 1800 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1778 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2460 mm |
