1980 Volvo 260 vs. 2005 BMW 320
To start off, 2005 BMW 320 is newer by 25 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 2,383 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 260. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 320 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1980 Volvo 260. 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, 2005 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 260. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volvo 260 | 2005 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 260 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2383 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 23.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2830 mm |
