1978 Volvo 260 vs. 2012 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2012 Toyota Corolla is newer by 34 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 14 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Corolla. (132 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 260 weights approximately 95 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 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 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Corolla. (173 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Corolla. 2012 Toyota Corolla 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. 2012 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volvo 260 | 2012 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Volvo | Toyota |
| Model | 260 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4554 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1466 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2601 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
