1999 Ford Contour vs. 2009 Volvo XC70
To start off, 2009 Volvo XC70 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Ford Contour would be higher. At 3,192 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Volvo XC70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo XC70 (232 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo XC70 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour.
Because 2009 Volvo XC70 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volvo XC70 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Volvo XC70 (236 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo XC70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour. 2009 Volvo XC70 has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volvo XC70 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 2009 Volvo XC70 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Contour | XC70 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2870 mm |
