1989 Ford Fiesta vs. 1978 Volvo 265
To start off, 1989 Ford Fiesta is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 265 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 265 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 265 weights approximately 499 kg more than 1989 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Volvo 265 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 265. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fiesta, 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 265 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (138 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 265 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fiesta. 1978 Volvo 265 has automatic transmission and 1989 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1989 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 265 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fiesta | 1978 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Fiesta | 265 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
