1998 Ford Contour vs. 2009 Volvo S80
To start off, 2009 Volvo S80 is newer by 11 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2009 Volvo S80. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2009 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo S80 weights approximately 219 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
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, 2009 Volvo S80 (401 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2009 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2009 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Contour | S80 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
