1983 BMW 316 vs. 1978 Volvo 66
To start off, 1983 BMW 316 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 66. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 66 would be higher. At 1,572 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 316 (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 66. (56 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 66.
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, 1983 BMW 316 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 66. (94 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 66. 1978 Volvo 66 has automatic transmission and 1983 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1983 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 66 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 1978 Volvo 66 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 316 | 66 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1572 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1550 mm |
