2005 Ford Mustang vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 2005 Ford Mustang is newer by 27 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Mustang (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Mustang weights approximately 37 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.
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, 2005 Ford Mustang (335 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 260. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Mustang | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Mustang | 260 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1387 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
