1977 Volvo 260 vs. 1981 Nissan Stanza
To start off, 1981 Nissan Stanza is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,662 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Stanza. (87 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Stanza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Volvo 260 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1981 Nissan Stanza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Stanza, 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, 1977 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Stanza. (142 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1977 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Stanza.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Volvo 260 | 1981 Nissan Stanza | |
| Make | Volvo | Nissan |
| Model | 260 | Stanza |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2662 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2480 mm |
