1976 Buick Estate vs. 1989 Volvo 480
To start off, 1989 Volvo 480 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick Estate (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 480. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Estate weights approximately 884 kg more than 1989 Volvo 480. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Buick Estate 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 1976 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 480, 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, 1976 Buick Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 480. (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 480. 1976 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 1989 Volvo 480 has manual transmission. 1989 Volvo 480 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Estate | 1989 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Estate | 480 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1884 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
