1968 Volvo 120 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 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volvo 120 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 79 more horse power than 1968 Volvo 120. (67 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1968 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 260 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1968 Volvo 120. 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, 1980 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volvo 120. (144 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Volvo 120 | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | 120 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1777 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 146 HP |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2660 mm |
