2008 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 28 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 305 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 260. 1980 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2660 mm |
