2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1979 Volvo 265
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 265. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 265 weights approximately 293 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 2009 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Volvo 265. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus will offer significantly more control. 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 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 265. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1979 Volvo 265 has manual transmission. 1979 Volvo 265 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 1979 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Taurus | 265 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2662 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2660 mm |
