1988 Suzuki Alto vs. 1996 Volvo 960
To start off, 1996 Volvo 960 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Suzuki Alto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Suzuki Alto would be higher. At 2,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 960 (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Alto. (38 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Alto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 960 weights approximately 890 kg more than 1988 Suzuki Alto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Volvo 960 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 1996 Volvo 960. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Alto, 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, 1996 Volvo 960 (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Alto. (59 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Alto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Suzuki Alto | 1996 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volvo |
| Model | Alto | 960 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 547 cc | 2472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 59 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2780 mm |
