1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 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 30 more horse power than 1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta. (108 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 386 kg more than 1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 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 1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta. 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 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta. (143 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | Giulietta | 850 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1071 kg | 1457 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2670 mm |
