1998 Ford Laser vs. 2003 Volvo V50
To start off, 2003 Volvo V50 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Laser would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo V50 (161 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1998 Ford Laser. (128 HP @ 6150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo V50 weights approximately 199 kg more than 1998 Ford Laser. 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, 2003 Volvo V50 (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Laser. (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Laser. 2003 Volvo V50 has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Laser has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Laser will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volvo V50 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Laser | 2003 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Laser | V50 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
