1981 Volvo 260 vs. 2013 BMW 6 series
To start off, 2013 BMW 6 series is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 4,395 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 BMW 6 series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 6 series (437 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 284 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 260. (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 6 series should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 6 series weights approximately 719 kg more than 1981 Volvo 260. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 BMW 6 series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volvo 260. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 6 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 6 series (649 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 418 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 260. (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 6 series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volvo 260 | 2013 BMW 6 series | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 260 | 6 series |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2849 cc | 4395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 437 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 2089 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5009 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2081 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2968 mm |
