1996 Ford Ka vs. 1998 Volvo S80
To start off, 1998 Volvo S80 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Ka 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 120 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 676 kg more than 1996 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Ka | S80 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 908 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 80 L |
