1978 Volvo 265 vs. 2010 BMW 123
To start off, 2010 BMW 123 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 123 (202 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 265. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 123 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 123 weights approximately 211 kg more than 1978 Volvo 265. 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, 2010 BMW 123 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 123 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volvo 265 | 2010 BMW 123 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 265 | 123 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 51 L |
