1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 1980 Volvo 260 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 260 weights approximately 236 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. 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, 1980 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Cortina | 260 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2660 mm |
