1995 Volvo 850 vs. 1974 Volvo 245
To start off, 1995 Volvo 850 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 245. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 245 would be higher. At 2,125 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 245 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Volvo 850 (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 245. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 245. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 245 weights approximately 24 kg more than 1995 Volvo 850.
Because 1974 Volvo 245 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 1974 Volvo 245. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1995 Volvo 850 (175 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 245. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 245.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Volvo 850 | 1974 Volvo 245 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | 850 | 245 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 2125 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1394 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 60 L |
