1956 Maserati 450 vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 1978 Volvo 260 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Maserati 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Maserati 450 would be higher. At 4,478 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Maserati 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Maserati 450 (395 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Maserati 450 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 260 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1956 Maserati 450.
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, 1956 Maserati 450 (487 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 260. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1956 Maserati 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 260. 1978 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 1956 Maserati 450 has manual transmission. 1956 Maserati 450 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:
| 1956 Maserati 450 | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Maserati | Volvo |
| Model | 450 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4478 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 487 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1350 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |
