2009 Fiat 500 vs. 1989 Volvo 244
To start off, 2009 Fiat 500 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volvo 244. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volvo 244 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volvo 244 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Fiat 500 (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 244. (96 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 244. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Volvo 244 weights approximately 366 kg more than 2009 Fiat 500.
Because 1989 Volvo 244 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 1989 Volvo 244. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Fiat 500, 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, 2009 Fiat 500 (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 244. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 244.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat 500 | 1989 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | 244 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2660 mm |
