2009 BMW 550 vs. 1975 Volvo 240
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volvo 240 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 281 more horse power than 1975 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1975 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 322 kg more than 1975 Volvo 240. 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 333 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volvo 240. (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1975 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 550 | 240 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1986 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2650 mm |
