2003 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 1985 Volvo 740
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volvo 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volvo 740 would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1985 Volvo 740. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1985 Volvo 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 951 kg more than 1985 Volvo 740. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Volvo 740. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volvo 740. (240 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volvo 740. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 1985 Volvo 740 has manual transmission. 1985 Volvo 740 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton | 1985 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Phaeton | 740 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2281 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2780 mm |
