2009 BMW 125 vs. 1979 Volvo 265
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 265. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 125 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1979 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, 2009 BMW 125 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 265. 2009 BMW 125 has automatic transmission and 1979 Volvo 265 has manual transmission. 1979 Volvo 265 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 125 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 125 | 1979 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 125 | 265 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2662 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2660 mm |
