1978 Volvo 66 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 66. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 66 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 66. (56 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 66. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 645 kg more than 1978 Volvo 66. 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, 2004 BMW 318 (200 Nm) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 66. (94 Nm). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 66.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volvo 66 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 66 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3910 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
