1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 2004 Volvo S80
To start off, 2004 Volvo S80 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volvo S80 (269 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1973 Ford Fairlane. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volvo S80 weights approximately 229 kg more than 1973 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Ford Fairlane 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 Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Volvo S80 (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Fairlane. (339 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2004 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 2004 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Fairlane | S80 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1679 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2760 mm |
