1988 Volvo 480 vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTD
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTD 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen GTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTD (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 480. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTD should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTD weights approximately 369 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.
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, 2012 Volkswagen GTD (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 480. (176 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 480.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Volvo 480 | 2012 Volkswagen GTD | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 480 | GTD |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1721 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1409 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2578 mm |
