1976 Volvo 260 vs. 2011 Ford S-Max
To start off, 2011 Ford S-Max is newer by 35 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, 1976 Volvo 260 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2011 Ford S-Max. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford S-Max weights approximately 393 kg more than 1976 Volvo 260.
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, 2011 Ford S-Max, 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, 2011 Ford S-Max (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford S-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Volvo 260 | 2011 Ford S-Max | |
| Make | Volvo | Ford |
| Model | 260 | S-Max |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1743 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2860 mm |
