1956 Porsche 356 vs. 1977 Volvo 260
To start off, 1977 Volvo 260 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,662 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1956 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1956 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Volvo 260 weights approximately 492 kg more than 1956 Porsche 356. 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, 1977 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1977 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Porsche 356 | 1977 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Porsche | Volvo |
| Model | 356 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2662 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 858 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2660 mm |
