1990 Volvo 960 vs. 2002 Volvo S80
To start off, 2002 Volvo S80 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volvo 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volvo 960 would be higher. At 2,922 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volvo 960 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2002 Volvo S80. (197 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 2002 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 960 weights approximately 95 kg more than 2002 Volvo S80. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volvo 960 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 1990 Volvo 960. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Volvo S80 (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 960. (267 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2002 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 960. 2002 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1990 Volvo 960 has manual transmission. 1990 Volvo 960 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Volvo 960 | 2002 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | 960 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2922 cc | 2524 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 267 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
