1978 Volvo 260 vs. 2000 Renault Espace
To start off, 2000 Renault Espace is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 260 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 8 more horse power than 2000 Renault Espace. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 2000 Renault Espace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Renault Espace weights approximately 140 kg more than 1978 Volvo 260.
Because 1978 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 1978 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Renault Espace, 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, 1978 Volvo 260 (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Renault Espace. (188 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Renault Espace. 2000 Renault Espace has automatic transmission and 1978 Volvo 260 has manual transmission. 1978 Volvo 260 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Renault Espace will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volvo 260 | 2000 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Volvo | Renault |
| Model | 260 | Espace |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
