1998 BMW Z3 vs. 1998 Volvo S80
To start off, both 1998 BMW Z3 and 1998 Volvo S80 were released in the same year (1998). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW Z3 (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1998 Volvo S80. (178 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 121 kg more than 1998 BMW Z3.
Because 1998 BMW Z3 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 1998 BMW Z3. 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 BMW Z3 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volvo S80. (240 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1998 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volvo S80. 1998 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | Z3 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1581 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2800 mm |
