2012 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1975 Volvo 260
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1975 Volvo 260.
Because 1975 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 1975 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (281 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1975 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 159 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
