1981 Ford Taunus vs. 2005 Volvo V50
To start off, 2005 Volvo V50 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo V50 (197 HP) has 140 more horse power than 1981 Ford Taunus. (57 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo V50 weights approximately 414 kg more than 1981 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volvo V50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Taunus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Taunus | 2005 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Taunus | V50 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 197 HP |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2670 mm |
