1978 BMW M1 vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 1980 Volvo 260 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW M1 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 260. (153 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 260 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1978 BMW M1.
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 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 260. (230 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M1 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2660 mm |
