1979 Buick Estate vs. 1996 Volvo S80
To start off, 1996 Volvo S80 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Estate would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo S80 (268 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1979 Buick Estate. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Estate weights approximately 430 kg more than 1996 Volvo S80.
Because 1979 Buick Estate 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 1979 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Volvo S80 (380 Nm) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Estate. (318 Nm). This means 1996 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Estate.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Estate | 1996 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Estate | S80 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2800 mm |
