1978 Volvo 260 vs. 1961 Volvo P 1800
To start off, 1978 Volvo 260 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volvo P 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volvo P 1800 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1961 Volvo P 1800. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1961 Volvo P 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 260 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1961 Volvo P 1800. 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, 1978 Volvo 260 (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volvo P 1800. (147 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volvo P 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volvo 260 | 1961 Volvo P 1800 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | 260 | P 1800 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 45 L |
