1973 Fiat 850 vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 1980 Volvo 260 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 2,383 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volvo 260 (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 850.
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 (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 850 | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 850 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2660 mm |
