2008 Seat Altea vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 2008 Seat Altea is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo 850 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 850 (124 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2008 Seat Altea. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 2008 Seat Altea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Seat Altea weights approximately 56 kg more than 1996 Volvo 850.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2008 Seat Altea (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 850. (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Seat Altea | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Seat | Volvo |
| Model | Altea | 850 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1446 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2670 mm |
