1978 Lancia Gamma vs. 1995 Volvo 850
To start off, 1995 Volvo 850 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Gamma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Gamma would be higher. At 2,317 cc (5 cylinders), 1995 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Volvo 850 (251 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Gamma. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Gamma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Volvo 850 weights approximately 219 kg more than 1978 Lancia Gamma. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Gamma. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Gamma.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Gamma | 1995 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Lancia | Volvo |
| Model | Gamma | 850 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2317 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 73 L |
