2003 BMW M3 vs. 1994 Volvo 960
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Volvo 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Volvo 960 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 174 more horse power than 1994 Volvo 960. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1994 Volvo 960. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volvo 960 weights approximately 115 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 @ 4900 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Volvo 960. (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Volvo 960.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1994 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | 960 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2473 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2780 mm |
