1955 Austin A 135 vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 1978 Volvo 260 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 135. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 135 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Austin A 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 135. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 135. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 135 weights approximately 830 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, 1955 Austin A 135 (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 260. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1955 Austin A 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 260. 1978 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin A 135 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin A 135 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 135 | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 135 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2660 mm |
