1996 Volvo 960 vs. 2010 BMW M3
To start off, 2010 BMW M3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo 960 would be higher. At 4,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 960. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 960. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW M3 weights approximately 380 kg more than 1996 Volvo 960. 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, 2010 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 960. (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM). This means 2010 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 960.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volvo 960 | 2010 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 960 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2472 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4550 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2761 mm |
