2002 Toyota Corolla vs. 1986 Volvo 242
To start off, 2002 Toyota Corolla 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Volvo 242 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota Corolla (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1986 Volvo 242. (97 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1986 Volvo 242. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Volvo 242 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2002 Toyota Corolla.
Because 1986 Volvo 242 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 1986 Volvo 242. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Corolla, 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, 1986 Volvo 242 (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (143 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1986 Volvo 242 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Toyota Corolla | 1986 Volvo 242 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volvo |
| Model | Corolla | 242 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2660 mm |
