1979 Nissan Laurel vs. 1998 Volvo S80
To start off, 1998 Volvo S80 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,783 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volvo S80 (268 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1979 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1979 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 549 kg more than 1979 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Nissan Laurel 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 Nissan Laurel. 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, 1998 Volvo S80 (380 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan Laurel. 1998 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1979 Nissan Laurel has manual transmission. 1979 Nissan Laurel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Nissan Laurel | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Nissan | Volvo |
| Model | Laurel | S80 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 2783 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1689 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2670 mm |
