2009 BMW 125 vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 260 weights approximately 24 kg more than 2009 BMW 125.
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 125 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 260. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 125 | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 125 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 60 L |
