2006 Ford Focus vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 2006 Ford Focus is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo 850 would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Focus (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 850. (125 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 122 kg more than 2006 Ford Focus.
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, 2006 Ford Focus (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 850. (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Focus | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Focus | 850 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1213 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 58 L |
