1984 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1984 Alfa Romeo 33. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1984 Alfa Romeo 33. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 260 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1984 Alfa Romeo 33. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Alfa Romeo 33, 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, 1978 Volvo 260 (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Alfa Romeo 33. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Alfa Romeo 33.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 33 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1351 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
