2000 Ford Contour vs. 1980 Volvo 245
To start off, 2000 Ford Contour is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 245. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 245 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 245. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 245. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 245 weights approximately 92 kg more than 2000 Ford Contour.
Because 1980 Volvo 245 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 1980 Volvo 245. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Ford Contour, 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, 2000 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 245. (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 245.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ford Contour | 1980 Volvo 245 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Contour | 245 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1248 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
