1978 Talbot Horizon vs. 2011 Volvo XC90
To start off, 2011 Volvo XC90 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Talbot Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Talbot Horizon would be higher. At 3,200 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Volvo XC90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volvo XC90 (240 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1978 Talbot Horizon. (57 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volvo XC90 should accelerate faster than 1978 Talbot Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volvo XC90 weights approximately 1210 kg more than 1978 Talbot Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Volvo XC90 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Talbot Horizon. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volvo XC90 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Volvo XC90 (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Talbot Horizon. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Volvo XC90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Talbot Horizon. 2011 Volvo XC90 has automatic transmission and 1978 Talbot Horizon has manual transmission. 1978 Talbot Horizon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volvo XC90 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Talbot Horizon | 2011 Volvo XC90 | |
| Make | Talbot | Volvo |
| Model | Horizon | XC90 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1118 cc | 3200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 2155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4808 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1897 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1783 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 80 L |
