1980 Volvo 260 vs. 1982 BMW 318
To start off, 1982 BMW 318 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,848 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volvo 260 (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1982 BMW 318. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1982 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 260 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1982 BMW 318. 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, 1980 Volvo 260 (230 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 BMW 318. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volvo 260 | 1982 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 260 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1982 |
| Engine Size | 2848 cc | 1765 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2580 mm |
