1981 Buick Electra vs. 2008 Volvo S80
To start off, 2008 Volvo S80 is newer by 27 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, 2008 Volvo S80 (162 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1981 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 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 75 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 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, 2008 Volvo S80 (340 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Electra | S80 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1617 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 |
