1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2008 Volvo S80
To start off, 2008 Volvo S80 is newer by 11 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 2,953 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S80 (281 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S80 weights approximately 380 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volvo S80 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S80 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, 2008 Volvo S80 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (285 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2008 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | S80 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 281 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
