1972 BMW 3 vs. 1982 Volvo 265
To start off, 1982 Volvo 265 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1982 Volvo 265. (153 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1982 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Volvo 265 weights approximately 46 kg more than 1972 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, 1972 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volvo 265. (230 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1982 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 3 | 265 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2660 mm |
