1992 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 1992 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 14 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1992 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1992 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 260 kg more than 1978 Volvo 260.
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, 1992 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 260. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Ford Thunderbird | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Thunderbird | 260 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
