1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1976 Volvo 260
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1976 Volvo 260. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Volvo 260 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146.
Because 1976 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 1976 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1976 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (187 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. 1976 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 has manual transmission. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1976 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 146 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.1 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2660 mm |
