1996 Buick Roadmaster vs. 1974 Volvo 245
To start off, 1996 Buick Roadmaster is newer by 22 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Buick Roadmaster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 245. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Roadmaster should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 245. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Roadmaster weights approximately 456 kg more than 1974 Volvo 245. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 245. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Roadmaster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 245. 1996 Buick Roadmaster has automatic transmission and 1974 Volvo 245 has manual transmission. 1974 Volvo 245 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Roadmaster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Roadmaster | 1974 Volvo 245 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Roadmaster | 245 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1394 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5490 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2650 mm |
