1988 BMW 520 vs. 1979 Volvo 265
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,662 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volvo 265 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volvo 265 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1979 Volvo 265.
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, 1979 Volvo 265 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Volvo 265 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1979 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 265 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2662 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
