1983 Ford Escort vs. 1980 Volvo 244
To start off, 1983 Ford Escort is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 244. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 244 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (5 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 244 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volvo 244 (97 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1983 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 244 should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 244 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1983 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Volvo 244 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 1980 Volvo 244. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1980 Volvo 244 (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 244 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Escort | 1980 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Escort | 244 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2650 mm |
