1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1981 Volvo 260
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 1 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 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 260 (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (111 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 207 kg more than 1981 Volvo 260.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (264 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 260. (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1981 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Thunderbird | 260 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1577 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2660 mm |
