1970 AMC Gremlin vs. 1981 Volvo 260
To start off, 1981 Volvo 260 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 AMC Gremlin. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 AMC Gremlin would be higher. At 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 AMC Gremlin is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 260 (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1970 AMC Gremlin. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1970 AMC Gremlin. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 260 weights approximately 194 kg more than 1970 AMC Gremlin. 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, 1970 AMC Gremlin (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 260. (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 AMC Gremlin will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 AMC Gremlin | 1981 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | AMC | Volvo |
| Model | Gremlin | 260 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2660 mm |
