1966 Renault 8 vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Renault 8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Renault 8 would be higher. At 2,461 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 850 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1966 Renault 8. (47 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1966 Renault 8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 753 kg more than 1966 Renault 8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Renault 8 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 1966 Renault 8. 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 (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Renault 8. (78 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Renault 8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Renault 8 | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Renault | Volvo |
| Model | 8 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 956 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 78 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 1493 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2670 mm |
