1996 BMW M3 vs. 1969 Volvo P 1800
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Volvo P 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Volvo P 1800 would be higher. At 3,001 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1969 Volvo P 1800. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1969 Volvo P 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 468 kg more than 1969 Volvo P 1800. 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 M3 (305 Nm) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Volvo P 1800. (167 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Volvo P 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1969 Volvo P 1800 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | P 1800 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3001 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.2 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2460 mm |
