2006 Skoda Octavia vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 2006 Skoda Octavia is newer by 28 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 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2006 Skoda Octavia. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 2006 Skoda Octavia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Skoda Octavia weights approximately 80 kg more than 1978 Volvo 260.
Because 1978 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 1978 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Skoda Octavia, 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 Skoda Octavia (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 260. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Skoda Octavia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 260. 1978 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 2006 Skoda Octavia has manual transmission. 2006 Skoda Octavia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Skoda Octavia | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Skoda | Volvo |
| Model | Octavia | 260 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
