1978 Dodge Aspen 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 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 850 (124 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1978 Dodge Aspen. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1978 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Dodge Aspen weights approximately 98 kg more than 1996 Volvo 850.
Because 1978 Dodge Aspen 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 Dodge Aspen. 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, 1978 Dodge Aspen (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 850. (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 Dodge Aspen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Dodge Aspen | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Dodge | Volvo |
| Model | Aspen | 850 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2670 mm |
