2006 Ford E-250 vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 2006 Ford E-250 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford E-250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford E-250 (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford E-250 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 260 weights approximately 126 kg more than 2006 Ford E-250.
Because 1979 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 1979 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford E-250, 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, 2006 Ford E-250 (388 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford E-250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford E-250 | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | E-250 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1224 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3510 mm | 2660 mm |
