1977 Mazda 323 vs. 1981 Volvo 260
To start off, 1981 Volvo 260 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 260 (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1977 Mazda 323. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1977 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 260 weights approximately 558 kg more than 1977 Mazda 323. 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, 1981 Volvo 260 (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mazda 323. (69 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Mazda 323 | 1981 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 323 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 983 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 812 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2660 mm |
