1998 Volvo S80 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volvo S80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volvo S80 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1998 Volvo S80. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 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 308 kg more than 2011 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 (291 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. 1998 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volvo S80 | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | S80 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2460 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.4 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
