1991 BMW 518 vs. 1975 Volvo 260
To start off, 1991 BMW 518 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1991 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Volvo 260 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1991 BMW 518. 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, 1975 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1975 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW 518 | 1975 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 518 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
