1998 Volvo S80 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 15 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1998 Volvo S80. (222 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1998 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 198 kg more than 1998 Volvo S80. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Volvo S80. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series 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, 1998 Volvo S80 (311 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 3 Series. 2013 BMW 3 Series has automatic transmission and 1998 Volvo S80 has manual transmission. 1998 Volvo S80 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW 3 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Volvo S80 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | S80 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 222 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 88 mm |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1427 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
