1980 Volvo 260 vs. 2012 BMW 318
To start off, 2012 BMW 318 is newer by 32 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 10 more horse power than 2012 BMW 318. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 318 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1980 Volvo 260.
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, 2012 BMW 318 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 260. (230 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volvo 260 | 2012 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 260 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Size | 2848 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2810 mm |
