1971 Ford 17 vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford 17 would be higher. At 2,461 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 850 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1971 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 418 kg more than 1971 Ford 17. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Ford 17. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Volvo 850 (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford 17. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford 17 | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | 17 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1493 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
