1979 Volvo 260 vs. 2012 Citroen C4
To start off, 2012 Citroen C4 is newer by 33 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, 1979 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2012 Citroen C4. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 2012 Citroen C4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Citroen C4 weights approximately 264 kg more than 1979 Volvo 260.
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, 2012 Citroen C4, 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, 2012 Citroen C4 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Citroen C4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Volvo 260 | 2012 Citroen C4 | |
| Make | Volvo | Citroen |
| Model | 260 | C4 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2730 mm |
