2003 BMW 318 vs. 1982 Volvo 260
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Volvo 260 (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Volvo 260 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2003 BMW 318. 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, 1982 Volvo 260 (230 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1982 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 1982 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
