1992 BMW 730 vs. 1978 Volvo 265
To start off, 1992 BMW 730 is newer by 14 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 2,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 730 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 265. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 730 weights approximately 196 kg more than 1978 Volvo 265. 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 730 (260 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 265. 1978 Volvo 265 has automatic transmission and 1992 BMW 730 has manual transmission. 1992 BMW 730 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:
| 1992 BMW 730 | 1978 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 730 | 265 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2984 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73 mm |
| 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 | 1600 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 60 L |
