1978 Volvo 260 vs. 2001 Opel Zafira
To start off, 2001 Opel Zafira is newer by 23 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, 2001 Opel Zafira (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Zafira should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Opel Zafira weights approximately 70 kg more than 1978 Volvo 260. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Opel Zafira, 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 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Opel Zafira. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Opel Zafira. 2001 Opel Zafira 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. 2001 Opel Zafira will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volvo 260 | 2001 Opel Zafira | |
| Make | Volvo | Opel |
| Model | 260 | Zafira |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 58 L |
