1987 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Volvo S40
To start off, 2004 Volvo S40 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,524 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volvo S40 (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1987 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Escort.
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 S40 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Escort. 2004 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1987 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1987 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Escort | 2004 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Escort | S40 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 2524 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 68 L |
