1976 Volvo 260 vs. 1965 Volvo 120
To start off, 1976 Volvo 260 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Volvo 260 (148 HP) has 81 more horse power than 1965 Volvo 120. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1965 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Volvo 260 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1965 Volvo 120. 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, 1976 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volvo 120. (144 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1976 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Volvo 260 | 1965 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | 260 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1776 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2610 mm |
