1998 BMW 320 vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1978 Volvo 260.
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, 1998 BMW 320 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 260. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 320 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
