1948 Austin 16 vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 1980 Volvo 260 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1948 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 260 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1948 Austin 16. 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, 1980 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin 16. (146 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Austin 16. 1980 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 1948 Austin 16 has manual transmission. 1948 Austin 16 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin 16 | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | 16 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2660 mm |
