2009 BMW 320 vs. 1978 Volvo 265
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 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 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 265 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 265 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320.
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 265 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 265 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 1978 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 320 | 265 |
| 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 | 141 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
