1989 Ford Escort vs. 1980 Volvo 244
To start off, 1989 Ford Escort is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 244. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 244 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (5 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 244 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volvo 244 (97 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 244 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort.
Because 1980 Volvo 244 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 1980 Volvo 244. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1980 Volvo 244 (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 244 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 1980 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Escort | 244 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
