2009 Chrysler Town & Country vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 2009 Chrysler Town & Country is newer by 30 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 3,301 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Chrysler Town & Country is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chrysler Town & Country (173 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chrysler Town & Country should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chrysler Town & Country weights approximately 465 kg more than 1979 Volvo 260. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chrysler Town & Country, 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, 1979 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chrysler Town & Country. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chrysler Town & Country. 2009 Chrysler Town & Country has automatic transmission and 1979 Volvo 260 has manual transmission. 1979 Volvo 260 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chrysler Town & Country will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chrysler Town & Country | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Chrysler | Volvo |
| Model | Town & Country | 260 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2660 mm |
