1996 Ford Contour vs. 1983 Volvo 240
To start off, 1996 Ford Contour is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1983 Volvo 240. (96 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1983 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volvo 240 weights approximately 48 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour.
Because 1983 Volvo 240 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 1983 Volvo 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour, 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, 1996 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volvo 240. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 1983 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Contour | 240 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
