1982 Ford Escort vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1996 Volvo S40 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo S40 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1982 Ford Escort. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo S40 weights approximately 306 kg more than 1982 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, 1996 Volvo S40 (143 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Escort. (137 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Escort | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Escort | S40 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 924 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 68 L |
