1997 Ford Contour vs. 2010 Volvo S80
To start off, 2010 Volvo S80 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volvo S80 weights approximately 369 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2010 Volvo S80 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Volvo S80 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2010 Volvo S80 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2010 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2010 Volvo S80 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. 2010 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2010 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Contour | S80 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1759 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1864 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 67 L |
