1972 Porsche 911 vs. 1991 Volvo 850
To start off, 1991 Volvo 850 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,434 cc (5 cylinders), 1991 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Volvo 850 (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1972 Porsche 911. (131 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1972 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Volvo 850 weights approximately 293 kg more than 1972 Porsche 911. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Porsche 911 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 1972 Porsche 911. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1991 Volvo 850 (230 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Porsche 911. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1991 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Porsche 911.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Porsche 911 | 1991 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Porsche | Volvo |
| Model | 911 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2341 cc | 2434 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 58 L |
