2008 BMW 330 vs. 1979 Volvo 265
To start off, 2008 BMW 330 is newer by 29 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 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 330 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 265. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 330 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1979 Volvo 265. 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, 2008 BMW 330 (390 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 330 | 1979 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 330 | 265 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 2662 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 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 |
