1969 Fiat 500 vs. 1998 Volvo S80
To start off, 1998 Volvo S80 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,461 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volvo S80 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1969 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1969 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 1144 kg more than 1969 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 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 (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Fiat 500 | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 20.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 80 L |
