2003 BMW 545 vs. 1978 Volvo 265
To start off, 2003 BMW 545 is newer by 25 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 265. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 545 weights approximately 301 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, 2003 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 265. 1978 Volvo 265 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 545 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 545 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 265 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 545 | 1978 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 545 | 265 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
