1968 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1981 Volvo 240 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Escort (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 419 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort.
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, 1981 Volvo 240 (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Escort | 240 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 871 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |
