1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2002 Volvo S80

To start off, 2002 Volvo S80 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,524 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volvo S80 (197 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volvo S80 weights approximately 520 kg more than 1972 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1972 Ford Cortina 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 1972 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volvo S80, 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, 2002 Volvo S80 (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina. 2002 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1972 Ford Cortina 2002 Volvo S80
Make Ford Volvo
Model Cortina S80
Year Released 1972 2002
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1298 cc 2524 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 5 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 56 HP 197 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 91 Nm 280 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 1800 RPM
Engine Bore Size 81 mm 83 mm
Engine Stroke Size 63 mm 90 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.0:1 9.0:1
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 945 kg 1465 kg
Vehicle Length 4270 mm 4830 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1840 mm
Vehicle Height 1330 mm 1440 mm
Wheelbase Size 2570 mm 2720 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 55 L 80 L