1978 Volvo 264 vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 264. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 264 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 264 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 264 (149 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 850. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 264 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 37 kg more than 1978 Volvo 264.
Because 1978 Volvo 264 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Volvo 264. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Volvo 850 (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 264. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 264.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volvo 264 | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | 264 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1457 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2670 mm |
