1978 Volvo 260 vs. 1974 Volvo 244
To start off, 1978 Volvo 260 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 244. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 244 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 38 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 244. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 244. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 260 weights approximately 66 kg more than 1974 Volvo 244. 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 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 244. (170 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 244.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volvo 260 | 1974 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | 260 | 244 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
