2009 Cadillac STS vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 2009 Cadillac STS is newer by 31 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 3,599 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac STS (302 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac STS weights approximately 285 kg more than 1978 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 STS (369 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 260. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac STS | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volvo |
| Model | STS | 260 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3599 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 60 L |
