1964 Fiat 500 vs. 1981 Volvo 260
To start off, 1981 Volvo 260 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 260 (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1964 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1964 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 260 weights approximately 824 kg more than 1964 Fiat 500. 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, 1981 Volvo 260 (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Fiat 500 | 1981 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 546 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2660 mm |
