1975 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Volvo S80
To start off, 1998 Volvo S80 is newer by 23 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 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volvo S80 (167 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 646 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.
Because 1975 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 1975 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Volvo S80 (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (163 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Escort | S80 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1845 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.8 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2800 mm |
