2005 BMW 320 vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 2005 BMW 320 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 320 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1980 Volvo 260. 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, 1980 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 320 | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 320 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2660 mm |
