2007 Land Rover Defender vs. 1978 Volvo 265
To start off, 2007 Land Rover Defender is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 265 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2007 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 265 should accelerate faster than 2007 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 651 kg more than 1978 Volvo 265.
Because 2007 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Volvo 265. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 Land Rover Defender (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Land Rover Defender | 1978 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volvo |
| Model | Defender | 265 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2055 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 60 L |
