1974 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1995 Volvo 850
To start off, 1995 Volvo 850 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,982 cc (5 cylinders), 1995 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Volvo 850 (124 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Volvo 850 weights approximately 406 kg more than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1995 Volvo 850 (170 Nm) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 1995 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1995 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | Spider | 850 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2670 mm |
