1996 Volvo 960 vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, both 1996 Volvo 960 and 1996 Volvo 850 were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 960 (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 850. (124 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 960 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1996 Volvo 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Volvo 960 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 1996 Volvo 960. 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 960 (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 850. (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volvo 960 | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | 960 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2472 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4550 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2670 mm |
