1998 Ford Contour vs. 2012 Volvo XC70
To start off, 2012 Volvo XC70 is newer by 14 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, 2012 Volvo XC70 (217 HP) has 22 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo XC70 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo XC70 weights approximately 469 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.
Because 2012 Volvo XC70 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volvo XC70 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, 2012 Volvo XC70 (440 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo XC70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2012 Volvo XC70 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. 2012 Volvo XC70 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2012 Volvo XC70 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Contour | XC70 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| 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 | 217 HP |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1604 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2815 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
