2009 BMW 316 vs. 1978 Volvo 264
To start off, 2009 BMW 316 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, 1978 Volvo 264 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2009 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 264 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 264 weights approximately 136 kg more than 2009 BMW 316. 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, 1978 Volvo 264 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 264 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 316 | 1978 Volvo 264 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 316 | 264 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 60 L |
