1973 Ford Escort vs. 1988 Volvo 440
To start off, 1988 Volvo 440 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 440 (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1973 Ford Escort. (96 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 440 should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 440 weights approximately 116 kg more than 1973 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 440, 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, 1973 Ford Escort (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 440. (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 440.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Escort | 1988 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Escort | 440 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
