1978 BMW 730 vs. 1981 Volvo 260
To start off, 1981 Volvo 260 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 730 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 260. (153 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1981 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, 1981 Volvo 260 (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 1981 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 730 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2660 mm |
