1956 Lancia Appia vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Lancia Appia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Lancia Appia would be higher. At 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 850 (124 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1956 Lancia Appia. (43 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1956 Lancia Appia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1956 Lancia Appia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Lancia Appia 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 1956 Lancia Appia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850, 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, 1996 Volvo 850 (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Lancia Appia. (78 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Lancia Appia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Lancia Appia | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Lancia | Volvo |
| Model | Appia | 850 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1090 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 78 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2670 mm |
