1994 Volvo 960 vs. 2011 Audi A8
To start off, 2011 Audi A8 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Volvo 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Volvo 960 would be higher. At 4,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Audi A8 (372 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1994 Volvo 960. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1994 Volvo 960. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Audi A8 weights approximately 500 kg more than 1994 Volvo 960. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1994 Volvo 960. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Audi A8 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, 2011 Audi A8 (444 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Volvo 960. (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM). This means 2011 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Volvo 960. 2011 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 1994 Volvo 960 has manual transmission. 1994 Volvo 960 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Volvo 960 | 2011 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Volvo | Audi |
| Model | 960 | A8 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2473 cc | 4200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 372 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 444 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4550 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5136 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2992 mm |
