2003 Alpina B7 vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 2003 Alpina B7 is newer by 23 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B7 (492 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 411 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 260. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B7 weights approximately 550 kg more than 1980 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, 2003 Alpina B7 (700 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 560 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 260. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B7 | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Alpina | Volvo |
| Model | B7 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 492 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2660 mm |
