1981 Volvo 260 vs. 2011 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2011 Mini Cooper is newer by 30 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, 2011 Mini Cooper (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 260. (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 260 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2011 Mini Cooper.
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, 2011 Mini Cooper, 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, 2011 Mini Cooper (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 260. (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volvo 260 | 2011 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Volvo | Mini |
| Model | 260 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2849 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2466 mm |
