2009 Nissan Altima vs. 1990 Volvo 780
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volvo 780. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volvo 780 would be higher. At 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1990 Volvo 780. (200 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1990 Volvo 780. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 780 weights approximately 134 kg more than 2009 Nissan Altima.
Because 1990 Volvo 780 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 1990 Volvo 780. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima, 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 Nissan Altima (350 Nm) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 780. (143 Nm). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 780.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 1990 Volvo 780 | |
| Make | Nissan | Volvo |
| Model | Altima | 780 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1446 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2780 mm |
