1981 Volvo 260 vs. 1998 Buick Park Avenue
To start off, 1998 Buick Park Avenue is newer by 17 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 3,798 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Park Avenue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick Park Avenue (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 260. (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Park Avenue should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Park Avenue weights approximately 370 kg more than 1981 Volvo 260. 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, 1998 Buick Park Avenue, 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, 1998 Buick Park Avenue (387 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 260. (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Park Avenue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volvo 260 | 1998 Buick Park Avenue | |
| Make | Volvo | Buick |
| Model | 260 | Park Avenue |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2849 cc | 3798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 387 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2780 mm |
