2005 Opel Vectra vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 2005 Opel Vectra 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 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Opel Vectra (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 260 weights approximately 150 kg more than 2005 Opel Vectra.
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 Opel Vectra, 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 Opel Vectra (321 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 260. 1980 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 2005 Opel Vectra has manual transmission. 2005 Opel Vectra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Opel Vectra | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Vectra | 260 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1909 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2660 mm |
