1966 BMW 1600 vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 1980 Volvo 260 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 BMW 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 BMW 1600 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1966 BMW 1600. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1966 BMW 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 260 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1966 BMW 1600. 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, 1980 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 BMW 1600. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 BMW 1600. 1980 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 1966 BMW 1600 has manual transmission. 1966 BMW 1600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 BMW 1600 | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 1600 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2660 mm |
