1984 Ford Sierra vs. 1988 Volvo 480
To start off, 1988 Volvo 480 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ford Sierra (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 480. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ford Sierra should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Sierra weights approximately 140 kg more than 1988 Volvo 480. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Ford Sierra 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 1984 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480, 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, 1984 Ford Sierra (216 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 480. (176 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 480.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Sierra | 1988 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Sierra | 480 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2510 mm |
