2011 BMW 116 vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 2011 BMW 116 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2011 BMW 116. (116 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 116 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1978 Volvo 260.
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, 2011 BMW 116 (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 260. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 116 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW 116 | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 116 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4239 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1748 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1421 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 60 L |
