1979 Volvo 260 vs. 1999 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1999 Ford Mustang 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 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Mustang (256 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Mustang weights approximately 132 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Ford Mustang (406 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 260. 1999 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Volvo 260 | 1999 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Volvo | Ford |
| Model | 260 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1482 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2580 mm |
