1996 Ford Contour vs. 2006 Volvo S80
To start off, 2006 Volvo S80 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S80 (168 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1996 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo S80 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour. 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, 2006 Volvo S80 (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 2006 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Contour | S80 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1532 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2800 mm |
