2008 Smart Roadster vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 2008 Smart Roadster is newer by 29 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 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1979 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Smart Roadster | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Smart | Volvo |
| Model | Roadster | 260 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 146 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2660 mm |
