1971 Fiat 125 vs. 1988 Volvo 440
To start off, 1988 Volvo 440 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 125. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 125 would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volvo 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 440 (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 125. (90 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 440 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 125. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 440 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1971 Fiat 125. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Fiat 125 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 1971 Fiat 125. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 440, 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, 1988 Volvo 440 (143 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 125. (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 440 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 125.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 125 | 1988 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 125 | 440 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2510 mm |
