1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1998 Volvo S80
To start off, 1998 Volvo S80 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,461 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1998 Volvo S80. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1998 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 389 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
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 (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (220 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1998 Volvo S80 has manual transmission. 1998 Volvo S80 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | S80 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 20.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.4 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
