1997 Ford Contour vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 40 kg more than 1978 Volvo 260. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Volvo 260 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 1978 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Ford Contour (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 260. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 260. 1978 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
Make | Ford | Volvo |
Model | Contour | 260 |
Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2664 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 146 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 231 Nm | 219 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1350 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4890 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |