1988 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Volvo 265
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 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 265. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 265 weights approximately 200 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 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 265. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 265. 1980 Volvo 265 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volvo 265 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1980 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | 265 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2660 mm |
