1998 Ford Laser vs. 1986 Volvo 242
To start off, 1998 Ford Laser is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Volvo 242. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Volvo 242 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Volvo 242 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Laser (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1986 Volvo 242. (97 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1986 Volvo 242. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Volvo 242 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1998 Ford Laser.
Because 1986 Volvo 242 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 1986 Volvo 242. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser, 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 Laser (168 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volvo 242. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volvo 242.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Laser | 1986 Volvo 242 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Laser | 242 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2660 mm |
