1988 Nissan Vanette vs. 1981 Volvo 260
To start off, 1988 Nissan Vanette is newer by 7 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 67 more horse power than 1988 Nissan Vanette. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1988 Nissan Vanette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Nissan Vanette weights approximately 60 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, 1981 Volvo 260 (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Nissan Vanette. (148 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Nissan Vanette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Nissan Vanette | 1981 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Nissan | Volvo |
| Model | Vanette | 260 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1952 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2080 mm | 2660 mm |
