1986 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,751 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 343 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Volvo 343 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 1981 Volvo 343. 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 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343. 1981 Volvo 343 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. 1981 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Escort | 343 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
