2004 Renault Vel Satis vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 2004 Renault Vel Satis is newer by 26 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 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (176 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 460 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 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, 2004 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 260. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Renault Vel Satis | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Renault | Volvo |
| Model | Vel Satis | 260 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2946 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
