1979 Ford Fairlane vs. 2005 Volvo S80
To start off, 2005 Volvo S80 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,940 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo S80 (200 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1979 Ford Fairlane. (185 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo S80 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1979 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Fairlane 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 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1979 Ford Fairlane (344 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volvo S80. (321 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volvo S80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Fairlane | 2005 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Fairlane | S80 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4940 cc | 2442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2720 mm |
