2006 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Volvo 66
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 66. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 66 would be higher. At 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 66. (56 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 66. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 825 kg more than 1978 Volvo 66. 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 (365 Nm) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 66. (94 Nm). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 66.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1978 Volvo 66 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | 66 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
