2009 Volkswagen T5 vs. 1991 Volvo 850
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Volvo 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Volvo 850 would be higher. At 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1991 Volvo 850. (168 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1991 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 937 kg more than 1991 Volvo 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Volkswagen T5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1991 Volvo 850. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen T5 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, 2009 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Volvo 850. (230 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Volvo 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen T5 | 1991 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | T5 | 850 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2459 cc | 2434 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2307 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 58 L |
