1988 Volvo 480 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Express is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volvo 480. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volvo 480 would be higher. At 4,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Express (195 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 480. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 1171 kg more than 1988 Volvo 480. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Chevrolet Express 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 2012 Chevrolet Express. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480, 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 Chevrolet Express (352 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 480. (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 480. 2012 Chevrolet Express has automatic transmission and 1988 Volvo 480 has manual transmission. 1988 Volvo 480 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Volvo 480 | 2012 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | Volvo | Chevrolet |
| Model | 480 | Express |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1720 cc | 4300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 2231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 5692 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 2126 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3429 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 117 L |
