1971 BMW 3 vs. 1979 Volvo 66
To start off, 1979 Volvo 66 is newer by 8 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 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 66. (47 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 66. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1979 Volvo 66. 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. 1979 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. 1979 Volvo 66 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1979 Volvo 66 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 3 | 66 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1108 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1390 mm |
