2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1998 Volvo S80
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 3 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 5,698 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1998 Volvo S80. (178 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1998 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 43 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2001 Pontiac Firebird 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 2001 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volvo S80. (240 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volvo S80.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Firebird | S80 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5698 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1541 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
