1997 Ford Contour vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 20 kg more than 1981 Volvo 240. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Volvo 240. 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 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Contour | 240 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
