1987 Ford Sierra vs. 1996 Volvo 960
To start off, 1996 Volvo 960 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 2,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 960 (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1987 Ford Sierra. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 960 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1987 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1996 Volvo 960 (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Sierra. (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Sierra | 1996 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Sierra | 960 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2780 mm |
