1981 Ford Escort vs. 1993 Volvo 460
To start off, 1993 Volvo 460 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Volvo 460 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Volvo 460 (118 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 460 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Volvo 460 weights approximately 96 kg more than 1981 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1993 Volvo 460 (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Volvo 460 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1993 Volvo 460 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Escort | 460 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2510 mm |
