1999 Volvo S80 vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1999 Volvo S80 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 1999 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volvo S80 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (106 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volvo S80 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1981 Nissan Skyline. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 Volvo S80 (220 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1999 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline. 1981 Nissan Skyline has automatic transmission and 1999 Volvo S80 has manual transmission. 1999 Volvo S80 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Skyline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Volvo S80 | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Volvo | Nissan |
| Model | S80 | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2435 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2620 mm |
