1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia 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 35 more horse power than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 437 kg more than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia 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 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. 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 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. (156 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | Giulia | 850 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1569 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1457 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2670 mm |
