1988 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Volvo 245
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 245. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 245 would be higher. At 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 245. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 245. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 245 weights approximately 44 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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, 1988 BMW M3 (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 245. (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 245.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1980 Volvo 245 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | 245 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2660 mm |
