2003 Mazda 6 vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 2003 Mazda 6 is newer by 25 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 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 6. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1978 Volvo 260.
Because 1978 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 1978 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6, 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, 2003 Mazda 6 (244 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 260. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 6 | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 6 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1837 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 60 L |
