1978 Ford Escort vs. 1971 Volvo 145
To start off, 1978 Ford Escort is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volvo 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volvo 145 would be higher. At 1,778 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Volvo 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Volvo 145 (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Volvo 145 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volvo 145 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1978 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, 1971 Volvo 145 (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Volvo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 1971 Volvo 145 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Escort | 145 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
