1997 BMW 850 vs. 1980 Volvo 66
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 66. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 66 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 273 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 66. (56 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 66.
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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 396 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 66. (94 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 66.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1980 Volvo 66 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 850 | 66 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1287 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1550 mm |
