1976 Volvo 260 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1976 Volvo 260. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1976 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 233 kg more than 1976 Volvo 260. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Volvo 260 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volvo 260. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1976 Volvo 260 has manual transmission. 1976 Volvo 260 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Volvo 260 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 260 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1583 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2710 mm |
