2008 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Volvo 265
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 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 257 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 265. (82 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1980 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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 265. (145 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1980 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | 265 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2315 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 58 L |
