1999 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2009 Volvo S80
To start off, 2009 Volvo S80 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 4,414 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo S80 (311 HP @ 5950 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (240 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo S80 weights approximately 272 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2009 Volvo S80 (440 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (350 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. 2009 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Volkswagen Golf | 2009 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | S80 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 4414 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5950 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
