1989 Ford Sierra vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 2,461 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 850 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1989 Ford Sierra. (125 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 329 kg more than 1989 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Ford Sierra 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 1989 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850, 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 850 (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Sierra. (174 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Ford Sierra | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
Make | Ford | Volvo |
Model | Sierra | 850 |
Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2461 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 125 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 290 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1457 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4670 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2670 mm |