1981 Volvo 265 vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 265 (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 265 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 265 weights approximately 27 kg more than 2009 BMW 320. 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, 1981 Volvo 265 (230 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 265 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volvo 265 | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 265 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2849 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2770 mm |
