2008 BMW M3 vs. 1985 Volvo 780
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volvo 780. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volvo 780 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 212 more horse power than 1985 Volvo 780. (127 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Volvo 780. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1985 Volvo 780. 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 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volvo 780. (250 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volvo 780.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1985 Volvo 780 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | 780 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 10.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
