1974 Citroen GS vs. 1988 Volvo 240
To start off, 1988 Volvo 240 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen GS would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 240 (96 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1974 Citroen GS. (58 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 240 should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 240 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1974 Citroen GS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Volvo 240 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 1988 Volvo 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Citroen GS, 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 240 (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen GS. (88 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen GS | 1988 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Citroen | Volvo |
| Model | GS | 240 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1222 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2660 mm |
