1988 Volvo 480 vs. 2012 Ford Escape
To start off, 2012 Ford Escape is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volvo 480. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volvo 480 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Escape (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 480. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Escape weights approximately 406 kg more than 1988 Volvo 480. 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, 2012 Ford Escape (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 480. (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 480.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Volvo 480 | 2012 Ford Escape | |
| Make | Volvo | Ford |
| Model | 480 | Escape |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1720 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1466 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4437 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 66 L |
