1980 Ford Escort vs. 1986 Volvo 242
To start off, 1986 Volvo 242 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Volvo 242 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Volvo 242 (97 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Volvo 242 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Volvo 242 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Volvo 242 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 1986 Volvo 242. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort, 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, 1986 Volvo 242 (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Volvo 242 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1986 Volvo 242 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Escort | 242 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2660 mm |
