2009 BMW X3 vs. 1990 Volvo 460
To start off, 2009 BMW X3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volvo 460. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volvo 460 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW X3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1990 Volvo 460. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volvo 460. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW X3 weights approximately 786 kg more than 1990 Volvo 460. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Volvo 460. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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 X3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 460. (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 460.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW X3 | 1990 Volvo 460 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | X3 | 460 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1720 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1836 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 60 L |
