1989 Buick Estate vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 1989 Buick Estate is newer by 11 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 6,597 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Estate (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Estate weights approximately 535 kg more than 1978 Volvo 260. 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, 1989 Buick Estate (435 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 260. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 260. 1989 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 1978 Volvo 260 has manual transmission. 1978 Volvo 260 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Estate | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Estate | 260 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6597 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2660 mm |
