1990 Volvo 480 vs. 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volvo 480. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volvo 480 would be higher. At 2,393 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1990 Volvo 480. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara should accelerate faster than 1990 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara weights approximately 578 kg more than 1990 Volvo 480. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara (219 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 480. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 480. 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara has automatic transmission and 1990 Volvo 480 has manual transmission. 1990 Volvo 480 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Volvo 480 | 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Volvo | Suzuki |
| Model | 480 | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1721 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1695 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2640 mm |
