2009 BMW 523 vs. 1979 Volvo 265
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,662 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 265. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1979 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 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 265. 1979 Volvo 265 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volvo 265 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 523 | 1979 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 523 | 265 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2662 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2660 mm |
