2009 BMW M3 vs. 1994 Volvo 960
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Volvo 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Volvo 960 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 246 more horse power than 1994 Volvo 960. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1994 Volvo 960. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1994 Volvo 960. 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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Volvo 960. (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Volvo 960.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1994 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | 960 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2473 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2780 mm |
