1978 Renault 4 vs. 1993 Volvo 850
To start off, 1993 Volvo 850 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 4 would be higher. At 2,319 cc (5 cylinders), 1993 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Volvo 850 (225 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1978 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Volvo 850 weights approximately 735 kg more than 1978 Renault 4. 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, 1993 Volvo 850 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 4. (72 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1993 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Renault 4 | 1993 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Renault | Volvo |
| Model | 4 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 2319 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2680 mm |
