1998 Ford Focus vs. 1975 Volvo 240
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (131 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1975 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1975 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Volvo 240 weights approximately 148 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus.
Because 1975 Volvo 240 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 1975 Volvo 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus, 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 Focus (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volvo 240. (158 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1975 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Focus | 240 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2650 mm |
