1979 Ford Fairlane vs. 2006 Volvo S80
To start off, 2006 Volvo S80 is newer by 27 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S80 (207 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1979 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo S80 weights approximately 176 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, 2006 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, 2006 Volvo S80 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Fairlane | 2006 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Fairlane | S80 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 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 | 1400 kg | 1576 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2800 mm |
