1997 Ford Contour vs. 1994 Volvo 480
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Volvo 480. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Volvo 480 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 59 more horse power than 1994 Volvo 480. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1994 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 314 kg more than 1994 Volvo 480. 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, 1997 Ford Contour (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Volvo 480. (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Volvo 480. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1994 Volvo 480 has manual transmission. 1994 Volvo 480 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 | 1994 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Contour | 480 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
