1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1978 Volvo 265
To start off, 1978 Volvo 265 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 265 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 265 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 454 kg more than 1978 Volvo 265.
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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 1978 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Gran Torino | 265 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1858 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 60 L |
