1978 Volvo 164 vs. 1997 Volvo S90
To start off, 1997 Volvo S90 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volvo S90 (177 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 164. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volvo S90 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 164.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1997 Volvo S90 (260 Nm @ 4350 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 164. (204 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volvo S90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volvo 164 | 1997 Volvo S90 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | 164 | S90 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
