1968 Ford 12 M vs. 2003 Volvo V50
To start off, 2003 Volvo V50 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 12 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 12 M would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo V50 (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1968 Ford 12 M. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 12 M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo V50 weights approximately 848 kg more than 1968 Ford 12 M. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Ford 12 M 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 1968 Ford 12 M. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volvo V50, 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, 2003 Volvo V50 (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 12 M. (80 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 12 M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 12 M | 2003 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | 12 M | V50 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1182 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1698 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
