1968 Ford 17 vs. 1995 Volvo 850
To start off, 1995 Volvo 850 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 17 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (5 cylinders), 1995 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Volvo 850 (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1968 Ford 17. (81 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Volvo 850 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1968 Ford 17. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Ford 17 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 17. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Volvo 850, 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, 1995 Volvo 850 (175 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 17. (132 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 17 | 1995 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | 17 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1812 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 73 L |
