1998 Ford Contour vs. 2001 Volvo S80
To start off, 2001 Volvo S80 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2001 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volvo S80 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volvo S80 weights approximately 248 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour. 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, 2001 Volvo S80 (220 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2001 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Contour | S80 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2800 mm |
