The VOLVO 260 GL and GLE was introduced in 1975 in Europe, and one year later in North America. The Volvo 240 and Volvo 260 share the same chassis and body. They are basically the same car but the 260 has more luxury items and the more powerful V6 engine. Depending on the year it is equipped with power mirrors, power windows, leather interior, more chrome on the outside, an upscale sound system, sports wheels and other luxury items not found on the base Volvo 240 sedan. The 260 was the top of the VOLVO line in terms of luxury, replacing the Volvo 164 model produced until 1975 for the title. Differences between the 240 and 260 varied with time. New features were first introduced on the 260 model and later added to the 240. Some features of the Volvo 260 were offered as options on the 240.
The VOLVO 260 was not an entirely new car design for Volvo. It inherited a lot from the VOLVO 164, like the whole body, interior and exterior, from the front firewall back to the rear bumper. The windshield, dash, seats, doors, roof, trunk, everything rear of the firewall is the same as the 140 and 164. The novelty on the 260 and 240 is the front end and the introduction of Mcpherson front suspension struts. The hood, fenders, headlights and everything front of the firewall was redesigned.
The main difference between the 260 and 240 is the V6 engine of the 260, while the 240 got an in-line 4 cylinder. The B27 V6 engine had 2.7 liter displacement from 1975 to 1979.
