1986 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Volvo V50
To start off, 2004 Volvo V50 is newer by 18 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 2,521 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volvo V50 (160 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volvo V50 weights approximately 387 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Volvo V50 (280 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2004 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2004 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Escort | V50 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1467 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |
