1978 Volvo 164 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 34 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (404 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 164. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 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, 2012 Porsche 911 (420 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 164. (204 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volvo 164 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Volvo | Porsche |
| Model | 164 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 404 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3350 mm | 2350 mm |
