2011 Alpina B5 vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 2011 Alpina B5 is newer by 32 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 347 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alpina B5 weights approximately 460 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.
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, 2011 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 482 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Alpina B5 | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Alpina | Volvo |
| Model | B5 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2660 mm |
