1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 2012 Volvo XC90
To start off, 2012 Volvo XC90 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volvo XC90 (200 HP) has 77 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (123 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo XC90 should accelerate faster than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo XC90 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volvo XC90 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volvo XC90 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, 2012 Volvo XC90 (420 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo XC90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 2012 Volvo XC90 has manual transmission. 2012 Volvo XC90 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 2012 Volvo XC90 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volvo |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | XC90 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 2155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4808 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1897 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1783 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2860 mm |
