1981 Buick Electra vs. 2006 Volvo S80
To start off, 2006 Volvo S80 is newer by 25 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, 2006 Volvo S80 (168 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1981 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 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 160 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 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, 1981 Buick Electra (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volvo S80. (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volvo S80. 1981 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2006 Volvo S80 has manual transmission. 2006 Volvo S80 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Electra | 2006 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Electra | S80 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1532 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |
