2005 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1975 Volvo 260
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 12 kg more than 1975 Volvo 260.
Because 1975 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 1975 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1975 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1975 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Passat | 1975 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Passat | 260 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2660 mm |
