2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1976 Volvo 260
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1976 Volvo 260. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW Z3 weights approximately 36 kg more than 1976 Volvo 260. 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, 1976 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1976 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | Z3 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2660 mm |
