1968 Austin 3-Litre vs. 1998 Volvo S80
To start off, 1998 Volvo S80 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Austin 3-Litre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Austin 3-Litre would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Austin 3-Litre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volvo S80 (178 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1968 Austin 3-Litre. (124 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1968 Austin 3-Litre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 94 kg more than 1968 Austin 3-Litre. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Austin 3-Litre 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 1968 Austin 3-Litre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Volvo S80 (240 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Austin 3-Litre. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Austin 3-Litre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Austin 3-Litre | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | 3-Litre | S80 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
