1998 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Volvo S80
To start off, 2012 Volvo S80 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Taurus would be higher. Both 1998 Ford Taurus and 2012 Volvo S80 are equipped with a 3,000 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volvo S80 (300 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1998 Ford Taurus. (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Taurus.
Because 2012 Volvo S80 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volvo S80 (440 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Taurus. (264 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Taurus | 2012 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Taurus | S80 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
