1999 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 21 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 4,012 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer (208 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 575 kg more than 1978 Volvo 260. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Volvo 260. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer 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 Mercury Mountaineer (325 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 260. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 260. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 1978 Volvo 260 has manual transmission. 1978 Volvo 260 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Mountaineer | 260 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4012 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
