1981 Renault 5 vs. 1993 Volvo 440
To start off, 1993 Volvo 440 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Renault 5 would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Volvo 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1993 Volvo 440. (118 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1993 Volvo 440. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Volvo 440 weights approximately 42 kg more than 1981 Renault 5.
Because 1981 Renault 5 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 1981 Renault 5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 440, 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, 1981 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Volvo 440. (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1981 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Volvo 440.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Renault 5 | 1993 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Renault | Volvo |
| Model | 5 | 440 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 198 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 60 L |
