1998 BMW 325 vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 1998 BMW 325 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 325 (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 260. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 260 weights approximately 16 kg more than 1998 BMW 325.
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 325 (220 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 260. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 325 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
