1971 Ford Escort vs. 2006 Volvo V50
To start off, 2006 Volvo V50 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo V50 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo V50 weights approximately 674 kg more than 1971 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Ford Escort 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 Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort. 2006 Volvo V50 has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volvo V50 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Escort | 2006 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Escort | V50 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1479 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2650 mm |
