1971 BMW 3 vs. 1976 Volvo 66
To start off, 1976 Volvo 66 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1976 Volvo 66. (56 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1976 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, 1971 BMW 3 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volvo 66. (94 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volvo 66. 1976 Volvo 66 has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Volvo 66 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1976 Volvo 66 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 3 | 66 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1550 mm |
