1961 Alpine A 108 vs. 1999 Volvo S80
To start off, 1999 Volvo S80 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Alpine A 108. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Alpine A 108 would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 1999 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volvo S80 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1961 Alpine A 108. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1961 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volvo S80 weights approximately 895 kg more than 1961 Alpine A 108. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Alpine A 108 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 1961 Alpine A 108. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volvo S80, 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, 1999 Volvo S80 (220 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Alpine A 108. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1999 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Alpine A 108.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Alpine A 108 | 1999 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Alpine | Volvo |
| Model | A 108 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 843 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 70 L |
