2009 Ford Fiesta vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 2009 Ford Fiesta 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 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2009 Ford Fiesta. (95 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 260 weights approximately 384 kg more than 2009 Ford Fiesta. 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 Ford Fiesta, 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 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Fiesta. (128 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1979 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Fiesta | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Fiesta | 260 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2660 mm |
