2008 Volvo S80 vs. 1999 Ford Contour
To start off, 2008 Volvo S80 is newer by 9 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 2,953 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S80 (281 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S80 weights approximately 438 kg more than 1999 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volvo S80 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, 2008 Volvo S80 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, 2008 Volvo S80 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volvo S80 | 1999 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Volvo | Ford |
| Model | S80 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2953 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 281 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
