1996 BMW 525 vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 1996 BMW 525 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 260. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1980 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, 1996 BMW 525 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 260. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 525 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
