1981 Toyota Carina vs. 1999 Volvo S80
To start off, 1999 Volvo S80 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 1999 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volvo S80 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Carina. (83 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volvo S80 weights approximately 535 kg more than 1981 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Carina 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 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Volvo S80 (220 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Toyota Carina | 1999 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volvo |
| Model | Carina | S80 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
