1998 Ford Falcon vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1998 Ford Falcon is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo 850 would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Falcon (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 850. (124 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Falcon weights approximately 250 kg more than 1996 Volvo 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Ford Falcon 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 1998 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850, 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, 1998 Ford Falcon (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 850. (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 850. 1998 Ford Falcon has automatic transmission and 1996 Volvo 850 has manual transmission. 1996 Volvo 850 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Falcon | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Falcon | 850 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2670 mm |
