1983 Ford Fiesta vs. 1996 Volvo 960
To start off, 1996 Volvo 960 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 2,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 960 (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 960 weights approximately 785 kg more than 1983 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Volvo 960 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 1996 Volvo 960. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1996 Volvo 960 (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Fiesta | 1996 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Fiesta | 960 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 2472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2780 mm |
