1990 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 1990 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 12 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 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mazda RX-7 (197 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 260 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1990 Mazda RX-7.
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, 1990 Mazda RX-7 (270 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 260. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 260. 1978 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 1990 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1990 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mazda RX-7 | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | RX-7 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 60 L |
