1990 BMW 316 vs. 1978 Volvo 265
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 265 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 265 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 265 weights approximately 324 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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, 1978 Volvo 265 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 265 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 1978 Volvo 265 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 265 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1978 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 316 | 265 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
