2005 BMW 325 vs. 1977 Volvo 260
To start off, 2005 BMW 325 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,662 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 325 (184 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1977 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1977 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 325 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1977 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, 2005 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 325 | 1977 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 325 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2662 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 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 | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 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 |
