1961 Volvo P 1800 vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volvo P 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volvo P 1800 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 325 more horse power than 1961 Volvo P 1800. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Volvo P 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 565 kg more than 1961 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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volvo P 1800. (147 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volvo P 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Volvo P 1800 | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | P 1800 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1778 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.2 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 63 L |
