1972 BMW Turbo vs. 1978 Volvo 265
To start off, 1978 Volvo 265 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW Turbo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW Turbo would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 265 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1972 BMW Turbo. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 265 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW Turbo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 265 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1972 BMW Turbo. 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, 1978 Volvo 265 (218 Nm) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW Turbo. (177 Nm). This means 1978 Volvo 265 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW Turbo. 1978 Volvo 265 has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW Turbo has manual transmission. 1972 BMW Turbo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 265 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW Turbo | 1978 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | Turbo | 265 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |
