1999 BMW 529 vs. 1978 Volvo 265
To start off, 1999 BMW 529 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 529 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 529 (193 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 265. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 529 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 529 weights approximately 221 kg more than 1978 Volvo 265. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 BMW 529 (410 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 529 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 529 | 1978 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 529 | 265 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
