1978 Volvo 260 vs. 2002 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2002 Toyota Corolla is newer by 24 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 2002 Toyota Corolla. (138 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 260 weights approximately 54 kg more than 2002 Toyota Corolla. 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, 2002 Toyota Corolla, 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 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volvo 260 | 2002 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Volvo | Toyota |
| Model | 260 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1786 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 | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
