2006 BMW M3 vs. 1966 Volvo 144
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Volvo 144. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Volvo 144 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (355 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1966 Volvo 144. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1966 Volvo 144. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1966 Volvo 144. 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, 2006 BMW M3 (370 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volvo 144. (167 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Volvo 144.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1966 Volvo 144 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | 144 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2620 mm |
