1981 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,413 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S80 (311 HP @ 5950 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S80 weights approximately 557 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volvo S80 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S80 will offer significantly more control. 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 (441 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang. 2008 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2008 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Mustang | S80 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 4413 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5950 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 441 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2840 mm |
