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, both vehicles can yield 148 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 176 kg more than 1978 Volvo 265.
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 320 (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 265.
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 | 148 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
