1986 Ford Escort vs. 1990 Volvo 960
To start off, 1990 Volvo 960 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,922 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volvo 960 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 960 weights approximately 476 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 1990 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 1990 Volvo 960. 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, 1990 Volvo 960 (267 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1990 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1990 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Escort | 960 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1556 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
