2002 Cadillac CTS vs. 1986 Volvo 242
To start off, 2002 Cadillac CTS is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Volvo 242. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Volvo 242 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Cadillac CTS (210 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1986 Volvo 242. (97 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1986 Volvo 242. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 270 kg more than 1986 Volvo 242. 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, 2002 Cadillac CTS (296 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volvo 242. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2002 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volvo 242.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Cadillac CTS | 1986 Volvo 242 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volvo |
| Model | CTS | 242 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2660 mm |
