2009 BMW 335 vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 2009 BMW 335 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 335 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 335 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 260 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2009 BMW 335.
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 335 (400 Nm @ 400 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 335 | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 335 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| 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 | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
