1979 Volvo 260 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (385 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche 911 weights approximately 207 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 2012 Porsche 911 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Volvo 260. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 will offer significantly more control. 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 Porsche 911 (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Volvo 260 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Volvo | Porsche |
| Model | 260 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1557 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2350 mm |
