2005 BMW 318 vs. 1979 Volvo 265
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,662 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volvo 265 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volvo 265 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1979 Volvo 265.
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, 2005 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 1979 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | 265 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2662 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
