1991 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1981 Volvo 260
To start off, 1991 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Volkswagen Golf (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 260. (153 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 260 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1991 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1981 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 1981 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1991 Volkswagen Golf (234 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 260. (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Volkswagen Golf | 1981 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | 260 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.3 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2660 mm |
