1996 Honda Accord vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 1996 Honda Accord is newer by 17 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, 1996 Honda Accord (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 260 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1996 Honda Accord.
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, 1996 Honda Accord, 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Accord. (198 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Accord | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Accord | 260 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2156 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
