1979 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Volvo S80
To start off, 2008 Volvo S80 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S80 (197 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1979 Ford Mustang. (90 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S80 weights approximately 333 kg more than 1979 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volvo S80 (300 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Mustang. (209 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Mustang. 2008 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Mustang | 2008 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Mustang | S80 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1553 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2840 mm |
