1999 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Volvo 264
To start off, 1999 BMW 318 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 264. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 264 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 264 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 264 (149 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1999 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 264 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 318 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1978 Volvo 264.
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, 1978 Volvo 264 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 264 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 318 | 1978 Volvo 264 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | 264 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
