1995 BMW 520 vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 1995 BMW 520 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 520 weights approximately 138 kg more than 1979 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, 1979 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1979 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 520 | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
