1979 Volvo 260 vs. 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser
To start off, 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 21 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 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser (151 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 60 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, 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 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, 1979 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (188 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1979 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser. 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser 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. 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Volvo 260 | 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser | |
| Make | Volvo | Chrysler |
| Model | 260 | PT Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2620 mm |
