1980 Volvo 260 vs. 2012 BMW 640
To start off, 2012 BMW 640 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 640 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 640 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 260. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 640 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 640 weights approximately 340 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, 2012 BMW 640 (630 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 490 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 260. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 640 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 640 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 260 | 640 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2383 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4894 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1894 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1369 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2855 mm |
