1998 Ford Focus vs. 1989 Volvo 440
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volvo 440. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volvo 440 would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volvo 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 440. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 440. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 88 kg more than 1989 Volvo 440. 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, 1998 Ford Focus (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 440. (143 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 440.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1989 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Focus | 440 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1118 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
