2009 BMW 550 vs. 1978 Volvo 265
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 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 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 265. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 258 kg more than 1978 Volvo 265. 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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1978 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 550 | 265 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 2664 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
