2009 BMW M3 vs. 1975 Volvo 260
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 1975 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1975 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Volvo 260 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volvo 260. 1975 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW M3 | 1975 Volvo 260 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | M3 | 260 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1975 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2664 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 414 HP | 146 HP |
Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 400 Nm | 218 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1350 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4890 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |