2004 BMW 318 vs. 1975 Volvo 260
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1975 Volvo 260.
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, 1975 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1975 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 1975 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1975 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
