1995 BMW S3 vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 1995 BMW S3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW S3 (338 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW S3 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1978 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, 1995 BMW S3 (260 Nm) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 260. (219 Nm). This means 1995 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW S3 | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | S3 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
