1981 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Volvo V70
To start off, 2003 Volvo V70 is newer by 22 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 2,399 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo V70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo V70 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo V70 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo V70 weights approximately 816 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.
Because 2003 Volvo V70 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volvo V70 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, 2003 Volvo V70 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo V70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 2003 Volvo V70 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Escort | V70 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2770 mm |
