1976 Volvo 260 vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1976 Volvo 260. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 495 kg more than 1976 Volvo 260. 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, 2012 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Volvo 260 | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 260 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2968 mm |
