2009 BMW Z4 vs. 1979 Volvo 265
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 265. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW Z4 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1979 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 Z4 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW Z4 | 1979 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | Z4 | 265 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2662 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2660 mm |
