1989 Ford Fairlane vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 1989 Ford Fairlane is newer by 10 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 3,949 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Fairlane (186 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 210 kg more than 1979 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 Ford Fairlane (338 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fairlane | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Fairlane | 260 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3949 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2660 mm |
