2009 Cadillac CTS vs. 1981 Volvo 260
To start off, 2009 Cadillac CTS is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 3,564 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac CTS (307 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 260. (153 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 418 kg more than 1981 Volvo 260. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Cadillac CTS (374 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 260. (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac CTS | 1981 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volvo |
| Model | CTS | 260 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3564 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 307 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 374 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.6 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1788 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2660 mm |
