1981 Buick Electra vs. 2002 Volvo S80
To start off, 2002 Volvo S80 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volvo S80 (208 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1981 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Electra weights approximately 241 kg more than 2002 Volvo S80.
Because 1981 Buick Electra 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 1981 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Volvo S80 (381 Nm) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick Electra. (278 Nm). This means 2002 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Electra | 2002 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Electra | S80 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2801 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |
