1981 Ferrari 308 vs. 2005 Volvo V50
To start off, 2005 Volvo V50 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 308 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2005 Volvo V50. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volvo V50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo V50 weights approximately 199 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 308.
Because 1981 Ferrari 308 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 Ferrari 308. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V50, 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, 2005 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 308. 2005 Volvo V50 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1981 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volvo V50 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 308 | 2005 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volvo |
| Model | 308 | V50 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 2318 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1479 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 62 L |
