1996 Volvo 850 vs. 1956 Volvo P 1900
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volvo P 1900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volvo P 1900 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 850 (125 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1956 Volvo P 1900. (62 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volvo P 1900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1956 Volvo P 1900. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Volvo P 1900 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 1956 Volvo P 1900. 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 (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volvo P 1900. (103 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volvo P 1900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volvo 850 | 1956 Volvo P 1900 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | 850 | P 1900 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1414 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2610 mm |
