1961 Abarth 700 vs. 1976 Volvo 260
To start off, 1976 Volvo 260 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 700 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Volvo 260 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 700. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Volvo 260 weights approximately 780 kg more than 1961 Abarth 700. 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, 1976 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (61 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700. 1976 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 1961 Abarth 700 has manual transmission. 1961 Abarth 700 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 1976 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volvo |
| Model | 700 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 745 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2660 mm |
