1971 BMW 3 vs. 1996 Volvo 960
To start off, 1996 Volvo 960 is newer by 25 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 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 960. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 960. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 960 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
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 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 960. (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 960.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1996 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 3 | 960 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2780 mm |
