1959 Berkeley QB vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 1980 Volvo 260 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley QB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley QB 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) has 97 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley QB. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley QB. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 260 weights approximately 969 kg more than 1959 Berkeley QB. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Volvo 260 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley QB, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley QB. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley QB.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley QB | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Berkeley | Volvo |
| Model | QB | 260 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 146 HP |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 381 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2660 mm |
