1970 Chevrolet Vega 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 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Chevrolet Vega 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 72 more horse power than 1970 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1970 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 260 weights approximately 365 kg more than 1970 Chevrolet Vega. 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 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Chevrolet Vega.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Chevrolet Vega | 1981 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Vega | 260 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2660 mm |
