1980 Volvo 260 vs. 2011 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2011 Land Rover Defender is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,848 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volvo 260 (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2011 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 2011 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1338 kg more than 1980 Volvo 260.
Because 2011 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volvo 260. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Land Rover Defender 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, 2011 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 260. (230 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volvo 260 | 2011 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Volvo | Land Rover |
| Model | 260 | Defender |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Size | 2848 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2800 mm |
