1989 Volvo 460 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volvo 460. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volvo 460 would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (400 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 310 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 460. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 460. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche 911 weights approximately 418 kg more than 1989 Volvo 460. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 460, 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 Porsche 911 (440 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 308 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 460. (132 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 460.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Volvo 460 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Volvo | Porsche |
| Model | 460 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1721 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 977 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4491 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1295 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2451 mm |
