1992 BMW 540 vs. 1978 Volvo 66
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 66. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 66 would be higher. At 3,980 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 66. (56 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 66. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 820 kg more than 1978 Volvo 66. 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 66. (94 Nm). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 66.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 1978 Volvo 66 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 540 | 66 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
