1985 Skoda L vs. 1989 Volvo 440
To start off, 1989 Volvo 440 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Skoda L. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Skoda L would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volvo 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volvo 440 (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1985 Skoda L. (62 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 440 should accelerate faster than 1985 Skoda L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Volvo 440 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1985 Skoda L. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Skoda L 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 1985 Skoda L. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Volvo 440 (175 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Skoda L. (103 Nm @ 2850 RPM). This means 1989 Volvo 440 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Skoda L.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Skoda L | 1989 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Skoda | Volvo |
| Model | L | 440 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2850 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.6 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
