1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 1978 Volvo 260 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 260 weights approximately 840 kg more than 1973 Fiat 500. 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, 1978 Volvo 260 (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 60 L |
