1979 Volvo 260 vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1979 Volvo 260. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (276 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 260. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1979 Volvo 260 has manual transmission. 1979 Volvo 260 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Volvo 260 | 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Volvo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 260 | 166 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2600 mm |
