1985 Buick Electra vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 1985 Buick Electra is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1985 Buick Electra. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1985 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Buick Electra weights approximately 50 kg more than 1979 Volvo 260.
Because 1979 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 1979 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Buick Electra, 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, 1979 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Buick Electra. (196 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1979 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Buick Electra | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Electra | 260 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2660 mm |
