1983 Toyota Starlet vs. 1981 Volvo 260
To start off, 1983 Toyota Starlet is newer by 2 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 106 more horse power than 1983 Toyota Starlet. (47 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1983 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 260 weights approximately 620 kg more than 1983 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Volvo 260 (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Toyota Starlet. (65 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Toyota Starlet | 1981 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volvo |
| Model | Starlet | 260 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2660 mm |
