1981 Volvo 260 vs. 1997 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1997 Toyota Corolla is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 260 (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 260 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1997 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Corolla, 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, 1981 Volvo 260 (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volvo 260 | 1997 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Volvo | Toyota |
| Model | 260 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2849 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2470 mm |
