2009 Land Rover Defender vs. 1978 Volvo 265
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Defender is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 265 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2009 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 265 should accelerate faster than 2009 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1304 kg more than 1978 Volvo 265.
Because 2009 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Volvo 265. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender 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 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 265. 1978 Volvo 265 has automatic transmission and 2009 Land Rover Defender has manual transmission. 2009 Land Rover Defender will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 265 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Land Rover Defender | 1978 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volvo |
| Model | Defender | 265 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2402 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2708 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 60 L |
