1998 BMW 323 vs. 1980 Volvo 265
To start off, 1998 BMW 323 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 323 (169 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 265. (82 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 265 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1998 BMW 323.
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 323 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 265. (145 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 323 | 1980 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 323 | 265 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2315 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 58 L |
