1996 BMW 540 vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 17 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 465 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | 540 | 260 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2664 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 146 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 218 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1350 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4890 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2660 mm |