2009 BMW 550 vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 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 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 281 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 260. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 212 kg more than 1980 Volvo 260. 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 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 260. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 550 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 2383 cc |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2660 mm |
