2000 Ford Contour vs. 1989 Volvo 244
To start off, 2000 Ford Contour is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volvo 244. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volvo 244 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 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 244. (96 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 244. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Volvo 244 weights approximately 54 kg more than 2000 Ford Contour.
Because 1989 Volvo 244 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 1989 Volvo 244. 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 1989 Volvo 244. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 244.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ford Contour | 1989 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Contour | 244 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
