1996 BMW 318 vs. 1976 Volvo 260
To start off, 1996 BMW 318 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Volvo 260 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1996 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 318 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1976 Volvo 260.
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, 1976 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1976 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 318. 1976 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 318 | 1976 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
