1978 Buick Electra vs. 1998 Volvo S80
To start off, 1998 Volvo S80 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1998 Volvo S80. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1998 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 131 kg more than 1998 Volvo S80. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Buick Electra 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 1978 Buick Electra. 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, 1978 Buick Electra (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volvo S80. (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volvo S80. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1998 Volvo S80 has manual transmission. 1998 Volvo S80 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Electra | S80 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2670 mm |
