1975 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 1978 Volvo 260 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 260 weights approximately 395 kg more than 1975 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Volvo 260 (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Escort | 260 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
