2001 BMW 318 vs. 1976 Volvo 260
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 25 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, 1976 Volvo 260 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1976 Volvo 260.
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 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1976 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1976 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
