2009 BMW 550 vs. 1979 Volvo 66
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 66. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 66 would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 304 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 66. (56 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 66.
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 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 395 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 66. (94 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 66. 1979 Volvo 66 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volvo 66 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1979 Volvo 66 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 550 | 66 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1550 mm |
