1998 Volvo S80 vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 14 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 2,461 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1998 Volvo S80. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1998 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 174 kg more than 2012 BMW Z4.
Because 2012 BMW Z4 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 2012 BMW Z4. 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 Volvo S80 (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW Z4. (270 Nm @ 1250 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Volvo S80 | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | S80 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2461 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1250 RPM |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.9 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 6.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
