1979 Toyota Corolla vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 850 (125 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1979 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. 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 (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (129 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Toyota Corolla | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volvo |
| Model | Corolla | 850 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
