1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1998 Volvo S80
To start off, 1998 Volvo S80 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volvo S80 (178 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 784 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 1998 Volvo S80 (240 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Fiesta | S80 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 80 L |
