1958 Ford Escort vs. 1975 Volvo 260
To start off, 1975 Volvo 260 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1958 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Volvo 260 weights approximately 533 kg more than 1958 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1975 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1975 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford Escort. 1975 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 1958 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1958 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford Escort | 1975 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Escort | 260 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 817 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2660 mm |
