1968 Fiat 500 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 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,783 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volvo S80 (268 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 1209 kg more than 1968 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Fiat 500 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 Fiat 500. 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 (380 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500. 1998 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1968 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1968 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 2783 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1689 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 80 L |
