2003 BMW M3 vs. 1990 Volvo 780
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volvo 780. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volvo 780 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1990 Volvo 780. (200 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volvo 780. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 780 weights approximately 195 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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 M3 (350 Nm) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 780. (143 Nm). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 780.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1990 Volvo 780 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | 780 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 80 mm |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2780 mm |
