2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1998 Volvo S80
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 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 1,983 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volvo S80 (178 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 396 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1998 Volvo S80 (240 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 1998 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | S80 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.9 mm | 77 mm |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1581 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.4 L/100km | 16.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
