1980 Subaru Rex vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Subaru Rex. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Subaru Rex would be higher. At 2,461 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 850 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1980 Subaru Rex. (29 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1980 Subaru Rex. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 922 kg more than 1980 Subaru Rex. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Subaru Rex 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 1980 Subaru Rex. 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 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Subaru Rex. (43 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Subaru Rex.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Subaru Rex | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Subaru | Volvo |
| Model | Rex | 850 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 544 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 43 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1457 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1930 mm | 2670 mm |
