1986 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Volvo 66
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 66. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 66 would be higher. At 1,751 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 66. (56 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 66.
Because 1978 Volvo 66 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 1978 Volvo 66. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1986 Ford Escort (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 66. (94 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 66. 1978 Volvo 66 has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 66 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1978 Volvo 66 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Escort | 66 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1550 mm |
