1997 Ford Probe vs. 1980 Plymouth Volare
To start off, 1997 Ford Probe is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Plymouth Volare. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Plymouth Volare would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Plymouth Volare is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Probe (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1980 Plymouth Volare. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Probe should accelerate faster than 1980 Plymouth Volare. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Plymouth Volare weights approximately 255 kg more than 1997 Ford Probe.
Because 1980 Plymouth Volare 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 1980 Plymouth Volare. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Probe, 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, 1980 Plymouth Volare (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Probe. (172 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Plymouth Volare will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Probe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Probe | 1980 Plymouth Volare | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Probe | Volare |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1410 mm |
