1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 122 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 729 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Volvo S80 (240 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Volvo |
| Model | Chevette | S80 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1256 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
