1968 Triumph Spitfire vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 1980 Volvo 260 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 2,848 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volvo 260 (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1968 Triumph Spitfire. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1968 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 260 weights approximately 620 kg more than 1968 Triumph Spitfire. 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, 1968 Triumph Spitfire, 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 (230 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Triumph Spitfire. (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Triumph Spitfire | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Triumph | Volvo |
| Model | Spitfire | 260 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1980 |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 2848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.7 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2660 mm |
