1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 1991 Volvo 850
To start off, 1991 Volvo 850 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Volvo 850 (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 425 kg more than 1991 Volvo 850.
Because 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (326 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Volvo 850. (230 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Volvo 850. 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 1991 Volvo 850 has manual transmission. 1991 Volvo 850 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 1991 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volvo |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | 850 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 2434 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1795 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2670 mm |
