1981 Porsche 944 vs. 2007 Volvo V50
To start off, 2007 Volvo V50 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,519 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo V50 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1981 Porsche 944. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1981 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo V50 weights approximately 134 kg more than 1981 Porsche 944. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Volvo V50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Porsche 944. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volvo V50 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 944. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Porsche 944 | 2007 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Porsche | Volvo |
| Model | 944 | V50 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2479 cc | 2519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1479 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
