1996 Volvo V90 vs. 2010 Volvo V50
To start off, 2010 Volvo V50 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo V90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo V90 would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volvo V90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volvo V50 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 Volvo V90. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo V90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo V90 weights approximately 32 kg more than 2010 Volvo V50.
Because 2010 Volvo V50 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volvo V90. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Volvo V50 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2010 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo V90. (261 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2010 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo V90. 1996 Volvo V90 has automatic transmission and 2010 Volvo V50 has manual transmission. 2010 Volvo V50 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Volvo V90 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volvo V90 | 2010 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | V90 | V50 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2978 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1598 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4521 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1473 mm |
