1980 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1997 Volvo S90
To start off, 1997 Volvo S90 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,922 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Volvo S90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volvo S90 (177 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volvo S90 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volvo S90 weights approximately 650 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volvo S90 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 1997 Volvo S90. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1997 Volvo S90 (260 Nm @ 4350 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Volvo S90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volkswagen Passat | 1997 Volvo S90 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Passat | S90 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
