1977 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Volvo 264
To start off, 1978 Volvo 264 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 264 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 264 (149 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1977 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 264 should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 264 weights approximately 545 kg more than 1977 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 264 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 264 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Escort | 1978 Volvo 264 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Escort | 264 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 937 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
