2009 BMW 120 vs. 1978 Volvo 264
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 264. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 264 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 264 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 264. (149 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 264. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1978 Volvo 264. 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, 2009 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 264. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 264.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1978 Volvo 264 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 120 | 264 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 60 L |
