1991 Toyota MR2 vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 1991 Toyota MR2 is newer by 13 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, 1991 Toyota MR2 (154 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 260 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1991 Toyota MR2.
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, 1978 Volvo 260 (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Toyota MR2. (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Toyota MR2 | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volvo |
| Model | MR2 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
