2000 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2000 Alfa Romeo 145. (102 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 2000 Alfa Romeo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 260 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2000 Alfa Romeo 145. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo 145, 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, 1980 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo 145. (125 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 145 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1369 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.9 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2660 mm |
