1981 Porsche 944 vs. 1974 Volvo 245
To start off, 1981 Porsche 944 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 245. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 245 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Porsche 944 (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 245. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 245. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 245 weights approximately 49 kg more than 1981 Porsche 944.
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, 1981 Porsche 944 (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 245. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 245.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Porsche 944 | 1974 Volvo 245 | |
| Make | Porsche | Volvo |
| Model | 944 | 245 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2479 cc | 2125 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1394 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
