1973 Vauxhall Firenza vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Vauxhall Firenza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Vauxhall Firenza 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 47 more horse power than 1973 Vauxhall Firenza. (77 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1973 Vauxhall Firenza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1973 Vauxhall Firenza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Vauxhall Firenza 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 1973 Vauxhall Firenza. 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 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Vauxhall Firenza. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Vauxhall Firenza.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Vauxhall Firenza | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Volvo |
| Model | Firenza | 850 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1759 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 77 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 134 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 | 940 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2670 mm |
