1985 Volvo 740 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volvo 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volvo 740 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volvo 740 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1985 Volvo 740.
Because 1985 Volvo 740 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 Volvo 740. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (281 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volvo 740. (240 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volvo 740. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 has automatic transmission and 1985 Volvo 740 has manual transmission. 1985 Volvo 740 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1985 Volvo 740 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
Make | Volvo | Alfa Romeo |
Model | 740 | 159 |
Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1910 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 156 HP | 118 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 240 Nm | 281 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1650 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4670 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2710 mm |