1968 Volkswagen 1600 vs. 1986 Volvo 242
To start off, 1986 Volvo 242 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Volvo 242 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Volvo 242 (97 HP) has 44 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Volvo 242 should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Volvo 242 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1968 Volkswagen 1600. 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, 1986 Volvo 242 (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1986 Volvo 242 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Volkswagen 1600 | 1986 Volvo 242 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | 1600 | 242 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1583 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 97 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.5 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |
