2005 Kia Opirus vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 2005 Kia Opirus is newer by 25 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 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Kia Opirus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Kia Opirus (196 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Kia Opirus should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Kia Opirus weights approximately 410 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.
Because 1980 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 1980 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Kia Opirus, 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, 2005 Kia Opirus (294 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Kia Opirus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 260. 2005 Kia Opirus has automatic transmission and 1980 Volvo 260 has manual transmission. 1980 Volvo 260 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Kia Opirus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Kia Opirus | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Kia | Volvo |
| Model | Opirus | 260 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2660 mm |
