1999 Land Rover Discovery vs. 1981 Volvo 260
To start off, 1999 Land Rover Discovery is newer by 18 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, 1981 Volvo 260 (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1999 Land Rover Discovery. (135 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1999 Land Rover Discovery. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 830 kg more than 1981 Volvo 260.
Because 1999 Land Rover Discovery is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volvo 260. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Land Rover Discovery will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Land Rover Discovery (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 260. (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Land Rover Discovery will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Land Rover Discovery | 1981 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volvo |
| Model | Discovery | 260 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2660 mm |
