1965 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Volvo 265
To start off, 1978 Volvo 265 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 265 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1965 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 265 should accelerate faster than 1965 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 265 weights approximately 864 kg more than 1965 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, 1978 Volvo 265 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 265 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Fiat 500 | 1978 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | 265 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 498 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |
