1978 Ford Cortina vs. 2007 Volvo V50
To start off, 2007 Volvo V50 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo V50 (218 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo V50 weights approximately 515 kg more than 1978 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Volvo V50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volvo V50 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina. 2007 Volvo V50 has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Volvo V50 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Cortina | 2007 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Cortina | V50 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2650 mm |
