2003 BMW 530 vs. 1978 Volvo 66
To start off, 2003 BMW 530 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 66. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 66 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 66. (56 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 66. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 840 kg more than 1978 Volvo 66. 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, 2003 BMW 530 (501 Nm) has 407 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 66. (94 Nm). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 66.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 1978 Volvo 66 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 530 | 66 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 501 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
