2002 Chevrolet SSR vs. 1981 Volvo 260
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet SSR is newer by 21 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 5,316 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet SSR (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 260. (153 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Chevrolet SSR weights approximately 784 kg more than 1981 Volvo 260. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Chevrolet SSR (449 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 260. (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet SSR | 1981 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | SSR | 260 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5316 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 449 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2154 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2660 mm |
