1994 BMW M5 vs. 1981 Volvo 260
To start off, 1994 BMW M5 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 3,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW M5 (335 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 260. (153 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW M5 weights approximately 416 kg more than 1981 Volvo 260. 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, 1994 BMW M5 (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 260. (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW M5 | 1981 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M5 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3793 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.6 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1786 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
