1990 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 is newer by 11 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 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 260 weights approximately 380 kg more than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1990 Alfa Romeo 33, 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 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. (136 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1979 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. 1979 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 has manual transmission. 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 33 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2660 mm |
