1979 Volvo 260 vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 5 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 570 kg more than 1979 Volvo 260. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 BMW 5 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Volvo 260. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 260. 2013 BMW 5 Series has automatic transmission and 1979 Volvo 260 has manual transmission. 1979 Volvo 260 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW 5 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Volvo 260 | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 260 | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2013 |
| 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 | 146 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2968 mm |
