1997 Ford Contour vs. 1984 Volvo 360
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volvo 360. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volvo 360 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 (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1984 Volvo 360. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1984 Volvo 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 198 kg more than 1984 Volvo 360. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Volvo 360 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 1984 Volvo 360. 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 (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volvo 360. (160 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volvo 360. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1984 Volvo 360 has manual transmission. 1984 Volvo 360 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1984 Volvo 360 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Contour | 360 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
