2009 BMW 135 vs. 1978 Volvo 265
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 265. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 135 weights approximately 121 kg more than 1978 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 135 (401 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 135 | 1978 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 135 | 265 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 60 L |
