1981 Audi 80 vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 Volvo S40 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Audi 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Audi 80 would be higher. At 2,522 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S40 (218 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1981 Audi 80. (136 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1981 Audi 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo S40 weights approximately 435 kg more than 1981 Audi 80. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Audi 80. (176 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Audi 80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Audi 80 | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Audi | Volvo |
| Model | 80 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2144 cc | 2522 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2650 mm |
