1988 Saab 9000 vs. 1989 Volvo 480
To start off, 1989 Volvo 480 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Saab 9000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Saab 9000 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 9000 (175 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 480. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 9000 weights approximately 333 kg more than 1989 Volvo 480. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1988 Saab 9000 (278 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 480. (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 480.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Saab 9000 | 1989 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Saab | Volvo |
| Model | 9000 | 480 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1333 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2510 mm |
