1996 Volvo 960 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 Volvo 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo 960 would be higher. At 2,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 960 (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1998 Volvo S80. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 1998 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 154 kg more than 1996 Volvo 960.
Because 1996 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 1996 Volvo 960. 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 (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 960. (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 960.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volvo 960 | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | 960 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2472 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4550 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2670 mm |
