2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2002 Volvo S80
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volvo S80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volvo S80 would be higher. At 2,524 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volvo S80 (197 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volvo S80 weights approximately 181 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volvo S80. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volvo S80. 2002 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. 2002 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2002 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | S80 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 2524 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 8.5 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 | 1284 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.4 L/100km | 16.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
