2009 BMW Z4 vs. 1996 Volvo 960
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo 960 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 960. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 960. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 960 weights approximately 210 kg more than 2009 BMW Z4.
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 Z4 (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 960. (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM). This means 2009 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 960. 2009 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1996 Volvo 960 has manual transmission. 1996 Volvo 960 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW Z4 | 1996 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | Z4 | 960 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2780 mm |
